George Russell issues FIA apology after Canadian GP fine

George Russell has issued an apology to the FIA and marshals after throwing the headrest of his Mercedes W17 out of the car when he retired from the Canadian Grand Prix.

Following a tense and exciting battle with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli for first position, Russell retired from the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve when he encountered power unit issues.

After losing what could have been a much-needed win for Russell, his emotions temporarily got the better of him as he exited his car on the side of the track. Clearly angered by the situation, he threw the headrest to the ground and later threw his gloves.

The Mercedes driver was fined €5000 for the incident, with the fine suspended for 12 months on the condition that no similar event happens in the future.

“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 63, the team representative and reviewed video evidence,” the stewards stated.

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

“The driver explained that he was extremely frustrated having failed to finish the race, and expressed his embarrassment at what subsequently followed.

“He apologised to the stewards for his action and acknowledged that it did not set a good example and offered to apologise publicly. The Stewards acknowledged this and accepted his apology.”

Russell later took to social media to extend a further public apology. “Apologies to the marshals & FIA for making their job harder than it needed to be. Lots of emotions in the moment,” he wrote.

Heading into the Canadian Grand Prix, Russell trailed his 19-year-old team-mate and championship leader Antonelli by 20 points in the standings. But his retirement, combined with the Italian driver’s fourth win of the season, means Russell is now 43 points down on his team-mate.

There is a long season ahead for Russell as he fights for his first championship title. The next grand prix will take place in Monaco on 5-7 June.

Photos from Canadian GP – Sunday