P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Russell health update issued after Mercedes star’s absence
An update on Mercedes F1 star George Russell’s health has been provided after missing key events during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, due to illness.
Despite missing media sessions and the drivers’ briefing on Friday, Russell participated in all practice sessions and even provided feedback to the team during FP3 on Saturday morning.
Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz mentioned that Russell had been dealing with a fever and a sore throat, but his condition had improved significantly by Saturday, allowing him to focus on racing.
Fortunately, Russell is expected to compete in the race on Sunday, eliminating the need for reserve driver Valtteri Bottas to step in.
Once a driver takes part in qualifying, as Russell did, regulations prevent the team from making a driver change, as demonstrated by Aston Martin’s situation at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Bottas, who now races for Cadillac, has not yet made a return to Mercedes, where he previously competed from 2017 to 2021, winning 10 races.
