Russell blames kerb bounce for FP2 crash in Mexico City

©Mercedes

George Russell's weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix hit a major roadblock on Friday after the Mercedes driver suffered a high-speed crash during the second practice session.

Replays showed Russell's W15 hitting the kerbs at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez's Turn 8 before bouncing uncontrollably and spinning out of control, slamming into the outer barrier at Turn 9 and causing significant damage to the car's right flank.

Despite the violent impact, Russell fortunately emerged unscathed and was given all-clear by the medical team.

“What happened is just the car started bouncing off the ground and before I even had a chance to catch it, I was already spinning,” Russell told Sky Sports F1.

“So yeah, a lot of work for the guys tonight again.”

It was an unsatisfying end to a day that had seen a promising start for Russell and Mercedes who had finished Friday's opening practice.

The incident – Russell's second heavy crash in a week – put another strain on Mercedes' crews who were set to work tirelessly to repair the damaged car.

2024 Mexico City Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

“It just seems like it's one thing after another at the moment,” he added. “It's frustrating as in FP1 we were really strong, really fast.

“I was trying to take the same line, cutting that corner and for whatever reason on this occasion in FP2 the thing just started going on me.”

The crash not only damaged Russell's car but also cost him valuable track time ahead of Saturday's crucial FP3 session.

While FP2 was primarily dedicated to a Pirelli tire test, Russell acknowledged the setback in terms of preparation for the main event.

“I mean FP2 because it was the Pirelli tire test it wasn't hugely valuable in terms of what you'd learn going into the race weekend,” he said.

“So, obviously I missed out on lapses. “FP3 is going to be important, I just hope we can get the car fixed.”

Russell's teammate, Lewis Hamilton, enjoyed a more productive Friday after handing over his car to Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli in FP1. Hamilton finished seventh in FP2 without major issues, putting in solid laps as Russell's car sat in the garage.

With just one practice session remaining before qualifying, Russell and Mercedes face an uphill battle to regain their momentum and salvage what had begun as a promising weekend in Mexico.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.