Russell's result was the result of two mistakes

      We wrote that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will not be coming to Japan, and Bradley Lord from the team's press office replaced him as the official speaker last weekend. He came out to the reporters after the race to explain some points.

      In particular, it was about the decision to drive the warm-up lap a little slower before the second attempt in the qualifying final in order to lower the tire temperature, but because of this, there was not enough grip in the first sector, George qualified only fifth and started behind Leclair. The second time the team took a chance was already in the race.

      Bradley Lord: "George achieved his best in Suzuka, except for the second attempt in the qualifying final, which unfortunately determined the race result for us.

      After the start, we realized that George would not be able to catch up with Leclair on the track. There was no point in delaying the pit stop too much, so we risked changing the tires earlier in order to compete with Leclair by cutting. We had to try to do something. Unfortunately, it didn't work out."