George Russell was visibly distraught after crashing out on the final lap of the Singapore Grand Prix while vigorously pursuing a win in an exhilarating race.
The Silver Arrows seemed to have executed a well-devised strategy, capitalizing on Esteban Ocon’s retirement to equip both their cars with fresh medium tires.
The Mercedes drivers swiftly overtook Charles Leclerc and set their sights on Lando Norris and Carloes Sainz.
Sainz cleverly used Norris to fend off Russell and Hamilton in the closing laps. Despite their efforts, Russell and Hamilton struggled to find a way past Norris.
Russell, in particular, attempted various maneuvers but made a costly mistake at Turn 10. He clipped the wall with his right rear, sending him into the barriers.
The 25-year-old expressed his apologies to the Mercedes team for his inability to complete the race and earn crucial points.
In an interview after the race with Sky Sports, an emotional George Russell lamented: “No words to be honest. Such a long, physical race. Difficult to keep concentration.”
“Carlos did a great job backing the pack up, not allowing us to do the alternative strategy.
“I think we were half a car’s length from winning the race had I got past Lando when I had the opportunity, I think we would have been able to get past Carlos.
“Then just the last lap, a millimetre lapse of concentration and game over. So just sorry to the whole team.
“It was a really challenging race, the tyres were dropping off and you are pushing the limits. That’s how racing should be, you make a small mistake and you are bitten for it.
“It’s heart-breaking after such a great weekend – the car has felt great, qualifying was great, the race was great, we were bold with the strategy.
“I feel like I let myself and the team down. It’s tough but we will come back.”
