George Russell fumes on Mercedes team radio with frustration clear to see

George Russell ranted and raved on the Mercedes team radio before finally getting his way during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The British driver took umbrage with team-mate Kimi Antonelli holding him up during the latter stages of Sunday's race.

Pre-race championship leader Oscar Piastri was directly behind in sixth, with the situation forcing Russell to hold position rather than push on. The five-time race winner instead wanted to push Oliver Bearman.

"We got a Ferrari (Charles LeClerc) and a Haas (Bearman) ahead, we can fight for the podium here," Russell said before adding, "I'm happy to give the position back to Kimi if I can't overtake Bearman.

"We're just compromising both our races. I've got much more pace here, guys." Russell then reiterated: "I'm trying to hold position. I've got much more pace than Kimi here. We can fight for a podium. I'm happy to give the position back if we don't achieve it.

After the team finally had Antonelli acquiesce on lap 42, Russell responded by saying: "Ohh, great." The Brit then moved over two seconds clear on the next lap as Antonelli tried to keep Piastri behind him.

It did not quite go to plan, though. Antonelli and Piastri both pitted on lap 49, the latter putting on softs and getting out ahead of the Mercedes after a quick stop. Bearman and Russell were meanwhile lapping similar times before both pitted a lap later, with the rookie remaining in front.

That managed to make the Mercedes driver the fastest on track by lap 52, and just a second behind Bearman. Russell got within half a second, but that gap doubled again by lap 54, and two laps later, it was Piastri just under a second behind him.

That was reduced further to within seven-tenths by lap 59. Then a lap later, Russell briefly locked up, and the Australian made a lunge. With both drivers alongside each other, Piastri made the move stick and took fifth. Russell remained a man of his word, though, and two laps later, gave the place back to Antonelli.