George Russell will start the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix from the pit lane after crashing his Mercedes in the final moments of qualifying.
The Briton was caught out by oversteer on the approach to Turn 19, bringing out double yellow flags and therefore handing pole position to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Russell was due to start sixth, but hi s mechanics were forced to work on repairing the car two hours after qualifying, during the period in which cars should be sealed.
The W15 has seen extensive upgrades over the weekend, including a revised floor, new suspension, and changes to the inlets of its sidepods.
However, due to the team not having spares, Russell’s car will now have parts that were the same specification the Silver Arrows ran at the Singapore Grand Prix last month.
FIA’s F1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer referred the matter to the Stewards, and as a consequence, Mercedes has been made to withdraw Russell’s car to the pit lane.
However, Lewis Hamilton, who was eliminated in Q1, will line up on the starting grid in 17th place, despite revealing that he was leaning towards making changes.
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