Russell slammed by ex-F1 star as 'carelessness' cost Mercedes at Singapore GP

19 September 2023 , 09:11

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George Russell cost Mercedes in Singapore (Image: Getty Images)

George Russell has been criticised for his "carelessness" by ex-Formula 1 star Timo Glock after he suffered a heartbreaking end to the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver had only a second ever F1 victory in his sights heading into the final lap on Sunday, with at least third place all but secure. After brushing the barrier on entry into Turn 10, though, Russell ended up crashing and allowed team-mate Lewis Hamilton to pip him to third. The incident lost Mercedes vital points as the world championship heads into its final seven rounds.

Holding back the tears, Russell was left "devastated" by his last-gasp hiccup and Glock has suggested that the 25-year-old was ill-disciplined going into the 62nd lap. "Mercedes went full risk on George Russell, they put all their eggs in one basket, all in for the win," the former Toyota star wrote in his Sky Germany column.

"Russell pushed hard to close the gap to the front and fight for the podium and possibly victory. Then there was this little carelessness, which can also happen to a Russell. Up until then he had driven a faultless race. On a street circuit like Singapore, a millisecond of carelessness can lead you into a mistake and then the race is over for you, even on the last lap."

Russell was still visibly distraught when assessing his performance, having fronted up to Sky Sports for an emotional interview. "No words, to be honest," the Brit confessed. "Such a long and difficult race.

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"Difficult to keep concentration when Carlos was doing a great job backing the pack up and not allowing us to do the alternative strategy. I think we were half a car's length from winning the race had I got past Lando when I had the opportunity.

"I think we'd have been able to get past Carlos. On the last lap, a millimetre's lapse in concentration and it's game over. I'm so sorry to the whole team."

George Russell crashed during the final lap in Singapore (Sky Sports)

Have your say! Do you agree with Timo Glock? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

"It was a really challenging race with the tyres dropping off, pushing the limits. It's how racing should be and you make a small mistake and you're bitten for it.

"It's heartbreaking after such a great weekend. The car felt great, qualifying, the race was great and we were bold with the strategy. I feel like I've let myself and the team down. It's tough. We'll be back."

Team-mate Hamilton offered his support to Russell, saying: "Yes, too bad about George. We were pushing so hard to overtake those guys, and our tyres were so hot. He will recover. He drove a great weekend."

Nathan Ridley