George Russell Involved in Serious Crash During Mexican GP Practice

In a dramatic Friday practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell of Mercedes made headlines by posting the fastest time in the first session but crashed heavily in the second session.

Russell lost control of his car through the Esses early in the second session, which was primarily focused on a Pirelli tyre test. Due to the severity of the impact, he was taken to the medical centre for mandatory checks but was released without any injuries.

Earlier in the first session, another significant incident occurred when Williams driver Alex Albon collided with Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Bearman, driving Charles Leclerc's car during the first session, was on a cool-down lap while Albon was on a flying lap. Attempting to let Albon pass, Bearman lost control and spun into the barriers. Albon subsequently criticized Bearman over the team radio, calling him an “idiot.” However, race stewards classified it as a “racing incident” and took no further action, noting that both drivers acknowledged the situation.

Max Verstappen faced challenges throughout the day due to an engine problem that prematurely ended his first session. Team principal Christian Horner described the issue as “minor.” Despite returning to the track in the second session, the problem re-emerged, forcing Verstappen to abandon his car for repairs without completing any flying laps.

Title rival Lando Norris did not participate in the first session, as IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward took the wheel. However, Norris fully engaged in the second session, finishing fifth fastest after a run on standard 2024 tyres.

Norris's McLaren featured a new floor this weekend, which the team hopes will enhance performance. In the second session, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz set the fastest time while using the C4 compound development and standard tyres, this year's medium. McLaren's Oscar Piastri followed closely in second place, finishing just 0.178 seconds behind on C5 tyres.

In the first session, Russell clocked a time that was 0.317 seconds quicker than Sainz, with Yuki Tsunoda from Red Bull taking third. Verstappen's session ended early due to his engine troubles.

Several race drivers did not participate in the first session. Lewis Hamilton's car was driven by his 2025 replacement, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who finished 12th fastest. Fernando Alonso marked his 400th grand prix weekend but was replaced in the first practice by reserve driver Felipe Drugovich. Robert Schwartzman also took over from Zhou Guanyu in the second Sauber, with Valtteri Bottas achieving eighth fastest.

Mercedes continued to run the upgrades introduced in Austin, even after both Hamilton and Russell crashed at Turn 19 last weekend. Russell is utilizing an older specification of parts, as he damaged his new components in his qualifying crash.