Mercedes Frustrations: Russell Exits British Gp Due Un..see more
Silverstone drama: Russell’s stunning opening interrupted
Starting the weekend in blistering fashion, Russell claimed pole in qualifying and put up firm pace in initial laps, even leading from teammate Lewis Hamilton . Then, disaster suddenly.
⛔ Forced retirement: failure of water system
At lap 34, Russell’s steering wheel flashed imperative messages of an impending water system leak, and Mercedes pipped him into the pits and categorically instructed: “Retire the car”
It was later confirmed that continuing racing might have destroyed the power unit and attracted a grid penalty in the future in the season.
Russell’s thoughts after the exit
With obvious frustration, Russell said: “Around 10 laps before I had to pit… I had warning lights on the steering wheel for some type of water cooling failure… Gutting.” . Disappointed as he was, he confirmed Mercedes had the performance but accepted the inevitable consequence.
? Mercedes conserves engine, spares penalties
Mercedes engineers backed up the retirement as a precautionary step to avoid engine failure. They said that the leak, which was detected early, was followed by stints through before finally deciding to retire the car—a decision intended to conserve the power unit and avoid mid-season grid penalties 
