George Russell issues public apology

Photo: © IMAGO

Canadian Grand Prix

George Russell issues public apology

George Russell was cruelly denied the chance to fight for victory in Canada

Originally written by Matthew Hobkinson. This version is a translation.

Tuesday 26 May 2026 22:00

Mercedes F1 driver George Russell has apologised publicly after his heated Canadian Grand Prix outburst resulted in scrutiny from the FIA stewards.

Russell suffered a crushing conclusion to what had appeared to be a breakthrough weekend in Montreal, after taking sprint pole, winning the sprint and then securing pole position for the grand prix itself.

The Briton later became embroiled in an intense battle for the win with team-mate Kimi Antonelli, as Mercedes repeatedly urged both drivers to race fairly while they fought wheel-to-wheel around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

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But Russell’s afternoon came to a halt on lap 30 when a mechanical issue on his W17 forced him to stop the car while he was still in contention for the race win.

The Brit was furious as he climbed out of the Mercedes and threw his headrest out of the cockpit, with cars still passing on track before the virtual safety car was deployed.

George Russell apologises after FIA punishment

Following a review of video evidence, Russell was handed a €5,000 fine (£4,313, $5,820), although the punishment has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not commit a similar offence during that period.

The stewards confirmed that Russell had apologised during the hearing and accepted that his actions had not set the right example.

Their statement read: “The driver explained that he was extremely frustrated having failed to finish the race and expressed his embarrassment as 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 has now followed through on that promise, taking to social media to address the incident directly.

“Apologies to the marshals & FIA for making their job harder than it needed to be,” Russell wrote on X. “Lots of emotions in the moment.”

The retirement proved hugely costly in the championship picture, with Antonelli going on to claim victory and extend his winning streak to four consecutive grands prix.

It also means Russell left Canada with no points from the race, slipping 43 points behind his Mercedes team-mate in the drivers’ standings after a weekend that had once promised to swing momentum back in his favour.

F1 Mercedes FIA George Russell Canadian Grand Prix