‘Heartbroken’ George Russell Breaks His Silence After Being Stripped of Belgian GP Victory Following Disqualification for His Mercedes Being 1.5kg Underweight – and Pays Tribute to Team-mate Lewis Hamilton

 

George Russell has opened up about his disqualification from the Belgian Grand Prix, expressing his heartbreak over the decision that stripped him of his first victory of the season. The Mercedes driver was disqualified after his car was found to be 1.5kg underweight during post-race inspections, a ruling that has left him and his team reeling.

 

In a candid statement, Russell shared his disappointment with fans and paid tribute to his team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, for his unwavering support during this challenging time.

 

“I’m absolutely heartbroken,” Russell said. “Winning a Grand Prix is every driver’s dream, and to have it taken away due to a technical issue is devastating. The team and I put in so much hard work, and it’s crushing to see it all undone by something beyond our immediate control.”

 

The disqualification came after a thrilling race at Spa-Francorchamps, where Russell had showcased his skill and determination. The victory, which would have been his first in Formula 1 with Mercedes, was seen as a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. However, the post-race inspection revealed that his car did not meet the minimum weight requirement, leading to an automatic disqualification.

 

Russell emphasized that the underweight issue was not a result of any intentional wrongdoing. “We operate within such fine margins in this sport, and sometimes, these things happen. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we have to learn from it and move forward,” he added.

 

The young Briton also took the opportunity to acknowledge the support he has received from his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. “Lewis has been incredible through all of this. He knows better than anyone the highs and lows of this sport, and his words of encouragement mean the world to me. He’s a fantastic teammate and mentor.”

 

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has seen his share of victories and setbacks throughout his illustrious career. His experience and guidance have been invaluable to Russell, who joined Mercedes as a full-time driver this season. Hamilton himself faced a tough race in Belgium, but his focus remained on supporting his team and his young protégé.

 

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff also expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about the future. “This is a tough moment for George and the entire team. We win and lose together, and this is just one of those moments where we need to come together and support each other. George drove a fantastic race, and we have no doubt he will be back on top soon.”

 

The disqualification has not only cost Russell his maiden victory but also impacted his position in the drivers’ championship standings. However, the young driver remains determined to bounce back stronger. “This setback won’t define my season. We have a great team, and I believe in our potential. We’ll come back stronger and aim for more victories.”

 

As the F1 season progresses, Russell and the Mercedes team will be focused on rectifying the issues and ensuring they remain competitive. The incident serves as a reminder of the meticulous nature of Formula 1, where every detail counts, and the margins between victory and defeat can be razor-thin.

 

For now, George Russell will have to channel his disappointment into motivation, knowing that with the support of his team and mentor, greater successes lie ahead.