Russell retires from Australian GP with fiery engine issue
- F1 2023 Australian Grand Prix - Full Race results from Round 3
- Verstappen beats Hamilton to win chaotic Australian GP
Russell was running in fourth place when his engine gave up as he crossed the start-finish line, forcing him to pull over at the exit of the pit lane.
The Briton's W14 caught fire when the issue occured shortly after the race had re-started following a red flag stoppage.
Russell led the early stages of the race after making a brilliant start to pass Red Bull's Max Verstappen, but dropped to seventh after losing out when he pitted under an early Safety Car, just before the race was suspended.
Russell would then miss the craziest part of the race in Melbourne.
Further red flags delayed the conclusion, until Max Verstappen finally claimed the victory until confusing circumstances.
Lewis Hamilton finished second, Fernando Alonso third.
Mercedes have been blighted with problems this season but reliability has not been one of them, so they will hope to put Russell's retirement down to an unfortunate incident.
LAP 18/58
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
It goes from bad to worse for George Russell...
He is forced to retire as fire and smoke emerges from his car #AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/umJP1NDrqY
When it’s not your day, it’s not your day.
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) April 2, 2023
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
