Source: Official Team Post via X
FIA Clears George Russell's Mercedes After Thorough Inspection
George Russell's Mercedes W17 passed a rigorous FIA inspection following the US Grand Prix. Despite a lackluster eighth-place finish, Russell's car was found compliant with 2026 regulations.
The FIA has given George Russell's Mercedes W17 a clean bill of health after an "extensive physical inspection" post-United States Grand Prix. Russell, who finished eighth, saw his car selected for a detailed examination as part of the FIA's routine post-race checks, which involve randomly choosing a car from the top 10 finishers. The inspection, focused on the ICE air intake cooling system and related components, confirmed the car's compliance with the 2026 technical regulations.
Russell's performance in Austin was overshadowed by teammate Kimi Antonelli, who claimed victory, followed by Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Jo Bauer, the FIA's Formula 1 Technical Delegate, reported that all inspected elements of Russell's car met the required standards.
Reflecting on his race, Russell acknowledged his struggles, stating, "Just not being quick enough, to be honest." Despite still being mathematically in the title race, Antonelli's win has put him on the brink of his first world championship. With a commanding 123-point lead, Antonelli only needs a modest ninth-place finish in Mexico to secure the title, regardless of Russell's result.