George Russell Issues Health Update After Podium Finish in Miami G… read more
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell delivered a strong performance at the Miami Grand Prix, securing a third-place finish and his fourth podium of the 2025 season. However, the celebrations were somewhat muted as the British driver revealed he was feeling unwell towards the end of the race, ultimately missing the post-race press conference due to medical concerns.
Russell, who has consistently demonstrated strong form this year, finished behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in what was a dominant performance by the British team. Despite the physical challenges he faced in the latter stages of the race, Russell held on to his position and crossed the line ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, who has been Russell’s closest competitor in the standings.
In a post-race interview with Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brookes, Russell shared that he began experiencing severe stomach cramps during the final laps of the race. “I felt like I did a really strong race today, I’m feeling really sick now actually,” said the 27-year-old. “The last 10 laps of the race I got a really bad stomach cramp and now I’m struggling to stand because my stomach is a bit upset, but I’m happy with P3.”
While Russell’s health condition prevented him from participating in the usual top-three press conference, Mercedes confirmed that his absence was due to medical reasons. Only Norris and Piastri attended the media event, with Norris celebrating his fourth win of the season and further extending McLaren’s impressive run of form in the 2025 campaign.
Russell’s podium finish not only demonstrated his resilience but also helped him inch closer to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings. With 108 points to his name, he now trails Verstappen by just six points after the Dutch driver failed to score in the sprint race earlier in the weekend. It’s a tight battle for second place, with the McLaren duo currently leading the pack.
Despite the health scare, Russell remained composed and reflective after the race. “I’m really pleased with how the result ended up,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve been really struggling this weekend, but I always try and remind myself, even after a good qualifying, it doesn’t mean anything, and after a bad qualifying it also means nothing.”
Russell’s performance in Miami is another indication of his growing maturity as a driver. Throughout the weekend, he appeared slightly off pace during practice sessions and qualifying, but managed to maximize the car’s potential when it mattered most on race day. His ability to adapt and manage the car under physical duress impressed fans and commentators alike.
The result is also an encouraging sign for Mercedes, who have faced a challenging few seasons trying to catch up to Red Bull and, more recently, McLaren. Russell’s consistency has been key to the team’s relative success this year, and he appears to be emerging as their main contender in the championship battle. While teammate Lewis Hamilton has had a more subdued season so far, Russell has stepped up, proving his credentials as a future world champion.
Looking ahead, Russell will have two weeks to recover before Formula 1 heads to Imola for Round 7 of the championship. The historic Italian circuit is known for its technical demands and high-speed corners, and Russell will be aiming to build on his momentum and close the gap to the McLaren pair who currently lead the championship race.
Mercedes fans will be hoping that Russell makes a full recovery and is back to peak condition for the next round. His mental and physical toughness have already been on display this season, and with the championship still wide open, every point matters in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.
In the meantime, the team will continue to monitor Russell’s condition while also analyzing performance data from the Miami Grand Prix to further improve their race package. With Russell’s grit and determination, coupled with Mercedes’ ongoing development, the team remains optimistic about their prospects for the rest of the season.
