George Russell 'beyond disappointed' after late retirement deals another title blow

[DrewMcIntyre_OG]

George Russell retired in the closing laps at Sepang with what appeared to be a power unit failure, Motorsport Week reports. His Mercedes W17 pulled off during a Safety Car period while he was on course for a podium finish. The retirement cost him 18 points to his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who finished second. Antonelli now leads Russell by 84 points with seven races to go

Russell's frustration was obvious in his interview with Sky Sports F1. "You've almost got to laugh. I'm beyond disappointment. So many times this season, it's happened," he said. He added: "Of course, if the issue was on the other side, it would have been an 18-point gain. So it's a real shame but that's just how it is." He also admitted that a title comeback is now very unlikely

It has been a difficult season for Russell in many ways. Going into 2026, many expected him to be Mercedes' title contender, with Antonelli still learning. Instead, the young Italian has built a commanding lead, and Russell has suffered reliability problems at key moments. Being beaten by a teammate in the same car is the toughest kind of defeat in Formula One, because there are no excuses about machinery

Russell is still second in the championship, which would be his best ever finish if he holds it. Hamilton is 22 points behind him in third, so even second place is far from secure. Russell has always come across as composed and professional, and his comments here were measured despite the obvious disappointment. Plenty of drivers would have been less gracious

Is Russell's title challenge over? And should Mercedes now be backing Antonelli outright?

George Russell ‘beyond disappointed’ after further F1 title blowwww.motorsportweek.com

[Amber_44]

Hamilton creeping up behind him is the bigger worry for Russell now. Losing second place to his former teammate would hurt