Mercedes is facing significant challenges following George Russell’s crash during the second practice session (VT2) in Mexico. Team principal Toto Wolff reveals that a large portion of Russell’s W15 needs to be replaced, making it difficult for Mercedes to stay within budget. The British driver’s crash is just the latest in a series of damages incurred by the German racing team.
George Russell crashed for the second time in a week when he went off the track during VT2 in Mexico City. The Brit lost control of his Mercedes vehicle after driving too hard over the kerbstone. The crash is a considerable setback for Mercedes, as the repair costs take a significant bite out of the budget.
“I think we can keep the old chassis, but everything else has to go,” team principal Toto Wolff told Sky Sports Germany. “The engine has to come out, the gearbox needs to be checked, and then the rest. Two corners of the car are completely gone. So it’s serious damage.”
This is not the first time since the summer break that Mercedes has been hit with a bill for damages. In addition to Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli also incurred substantial costs due to his crash in Monza. “We’re seriously in trouble. We’re all struggling to stay within budget, and of course, we had a severe accident with Kimi (Antonelli) in Monza. Then the second with George last week and now again this week.”
35G Impact
Wolff does confirm that, fortunately, Russell is unharmed. “It was a 35G impact,” the Austrian reveals. “So it was indeed a significant impact. He was taken to the medical center, but he’s okay. But the car, of course, is heavily damaged. We have the spare parts.
