George Russell slams Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc's first-lap antics at F1 Mexican GP

Mercedes driver George Russell (start P4) hit Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for their antics on the first lap of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix. Verstappen (P5 start) and Leclerc (P2 start) cut Turn 2 on the first lap of the race and emerged in third and first place after rejoining the track.

George Russellfor his part, took the inside line at the entrance to turn 1 and remained on the track. In line with this and Verstappen/Leclerc's antics, Russell has made his frustrations known.

The Mercedes driver is not happy with the fact that Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc joins the track in front of him. Via an interaction with Sky Sports F1, Russell added:

“I don't understand how three drivers can cut the first corner and continue in the position they came in. It's like you allow yourself to risk everything, but you just get a get out of jail free card if you mess up.”

Russell further shared his views on management decisions and added:

“Well, I think that's keeping me out of the loop. You know, if there was this get-out-of-jail-free card… If there was gravel, no one would be here.”

George Russell did not have the most successful outing during the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix. Despite his best efforts, the Briton fell back down the hierarchy and was only able to come away with a 7th place.

'I'd love to face him': George Russell on the prospect of Max Verstappen as a Mercedes teammate

While George Russell criticized the antics of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc during the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix, just recently, the Briton also gave his opinion on the possibility of having Verstappen as a teammate at Mercedes in the future.

In the same vein, Russell said he would relish the opportunity to take on a driver like Verstappen. Via an interaction with the Telegraph, the former added:

“Max is an incredible driver. There's no denying that. But that's why I'd like to race him. We all think we're the best. I don't see why he wouldn't. [feel the same]…I mean, it's obviously more of a lose-lose situation for him.

“The same as when I was teammates with Lewis. If he beat me, he was supposed to. But if he lost to me, yeah, it's considered a big loss. Or the same with me and Kimi now. But I mean, we're way ahead of ourselves here.”

George Russell is under contract with the team led by Toto Wolff Mercedes The F1 team at least until the end of 2026. Additionally, there is a performance-related clause that could trigger an automatic extension for 2027.