Russell spins at pit-lane exit on lap 17 of Brazil GP after switching to slicks

Finished eighth after a five-place engine grid penalty

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 12m1 min read

What happened: George Russell spun his Mercedes at the pit-lane exit on lap 17 of 71 after pitting for slicks as the track dried. He got the car pointed the right way and rejoined, and he went on to finish eighth.

Why it matters: Russell qualified second but took a five-place grid penalty after Mercedes fitted a sixth engine for the weekend. Mercedes arrived in Sao Paulo targeting the Constructors' title, and Kimi Antonelli won the race.

By the numbers: Russell: qualified P2, finished P8. Race result: Antonelli, Norris, Hadjar, Verstappen, Lawson, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Russell.

What to watch: Three rounds remain on the 23-race calendar, with Mercedes still chasing the Constructors' title.

Sources

@F1 Nov 08, 2026 · 17:30 UTC

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Russell spins at pit-lane exit on lap 17 of Brazil GP after switching to slicks

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