Mercedes Driver George Russel’s 2024 Grand Prix Qualifier came to a halt, as he crashed in the final minute of Q3. The incident, which happened at Turn 19, left serious damages to the recently upgraded Mercedes W-15, after Russel had initially secured P6 on the grid. Consequently, the British driver will now start the main event from the Pit Lane.
Mercedes F1 Team Faces Pit Lane Setback
This is coming as a setback to the Mercedes F1 team after providing significant updates coming into Austin, for both Russell and teammate Lewis Hamilton. However, with the crash, there weren't enough spare parts to replicate the upgrade. As a result, Russell's car had to be downgraded to the version he ran with during the Singapore GP. This change violated the Formula 1’s parc fermé rules, which states that care must be covered and untouched two hours after qualifying.
A spokesperson for Mercedes confirmed after the event in a statement: “Following George's accident in qualifying, we had to work on the car overnight, which contravenes the regulations. Unfortunately, this means George will start from the pit lane,”
Confirming the breach, an FIA statement reads: "The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team did not cover car number 63, driver George Russell, two (2) hours after the end of the qualifying session, but continued to work on the car. This is not in compliance with Article 40.6 of the 2024 Formula One Sporting Regulations.”
The statement however, failed to confirm the pit lane start for Russel, although they are expected to do so before the race.
Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 Qualifying Struggles Continue
The incident was not the only frustration on show for the Mercedes F1 team at the United States Grand Prix qualifying. Teammate Lewis Hamilton also struggled, finishing P19. George Hamilton will now start from P17 on the grid after Russell’s penalty and Liam Lawson's demotion due to engine penalties.
Russell confirmed to reporters after the Formula 1 Qualifying mishap that Hamilton had kindly offered to “switch elements” which means he will be starting the race with the downgraded car. Hamilton also offered to start from the pit lane in place of Russell. He told Sky Sports F1, "I should probably start in the pit lane, otherwise I won’t be going anywhere from where I am.”
Hamilton only recently announced that he has been battling depression. The seven-time world champion will now be looking to recover from a difficult weekend in Austin.
United States Grand Prix Race Day Expectations
All eyes are now on the Circuit of the Americas, as fans of Formula 1 excitedly look forward to the main event. One of the main talking points has been the revised starting grid and what it means for the event. The grid has already opened up opportunities for other drivers.
For instance, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly will now start the United States Grand Prix from P6, which is his highest grid position so far this season. In pole position will be McLaren’s Lando Norris, where he will seek to challenge Max Verstappen's championship lead.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, Mercedes will be hoping for a strong finish in the remaining six races despite this setback.