NEWS
F1 World Championship Battle Finally Decided? "I'm more than disappointed"
An engine defect leaves George Russell in despair in Sepang. The championship gap to Kimi Antonelli continues to grow. Was it already the decisive moment?
It could hardly get any worse for George Russell!
Just a week ago, the Briton seemingly re-entered the internal "Silver Arrows" battle for the world title against Kimi Antonelli with his race win in Azerbaijan.
After many setbacks, it seemed as if Russell could still carve out a chance in the title fight with a winning streak. But now, it seems the final blow has been delivered.
Russell Disappointed: "This has happened to me so many times"
For the British Mercedes driver, the race in Sepang ended a few laps before the finish with an engine failure.
"I'm more than just disappointed. This has happened so many times this season," said the 28-year-old.
Once again, he had to bury his chances for many points this season after a mechanical defect. "This isn't the first time. So, I'm pretty used to this feeling," the disappointed Briton added.
The gap to Kimi Antonelli now stands at 84 points after 16 of 23 races this season. It seems impossible that Russell could still close this gap.
Mercedes Boss Wolff Annoyed: "I'm totally fed up"
Understandably, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is also extremely frustrated after the race in Sepang.
"I'm totally annoyed and don't feel good at all," explained the Viennese. Russell's retirement also caused an inglorious "flashback" for Mercedes.
Precisely ten years ago, Lewis Hamilton fell behind in the championship battle against Nico Rosberg in Malaysia due to an engine failure and ultimately had to concede defeat to the German in 2016.
"As much as I love being here, watching these races, honestly, this is one of my worst experiences," Wolff added in conclusion.
