Wolff voices Mercedes cost cap concern after latest Russell shunt | RacingNews365

Oct 26, 2024

Toto Wolff has admitted Mercedes is in "serious trouble" with the F1 cost cap following George Russell's second big shunt in the space of a week.

The British driver crashed heavily in the early stages of FP2 for the Mexico City Grand Prix. Last weekend, in Austin, he incurred considerable damage in a qualifying-ending incident at the Circuit of the Americas.

Russell's W15 will again require a significant rebuild ahead of the final practice session and qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Wolff outlined what needs to be assessed, but does believe the chassis will not need to be replaced.

"I think we can keep the old chassis, but everything else has to go out," the 52-year-old said following the session.

"The engine has to come out, the gearbox has to be checked and then everything else. Two corners of the car are completely gone. So it's serious damage."

"We're in serious trouble. We are all struggling to stay within the budget cap and of course we had a bad accident with Kimi [Antonelli] at Monza. Then the second one with George last week [in Austin] and now again this week."

Heading through the esses in the middle sector in Mexico, Russell's Mercedes ran over the exit kerb on the outside of Turn 8, which unsettled his car, causing it to slam sideways into the barriers.

Upon emerging from the strewn W15, the two-time grand prix winner appeared to be winded by the force of the accident.

However, after visiting the medical centre - as required after crashes of that size - the 26-year-old was given the all clear and there is nothing to suggest he will not be able to partake in the rest of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

Wolff explained the magnitude of the crash, which comfortably surpassed the FIA threshold for precautionary checks.

"[It was] 35G," the Austrian revealed. "So that was a really big impact. He was taken to the medical centre, but he's okay.

"But of course, the car is badly damaged... but we have the [spare] parts."