George Russell missed Thursday’s duties at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix through illness. The Mercedes driver was not available to speak to the media, instead resting in preparation for the first track action at the Baku City Circuit.
“George is unwell so unfortunately won’t be at track today, as he’s resting up ahead of tomorrow’s track action,” a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed. Should the 27-year-old fail to recover in time for FP1 on Friday morning, reserve driver Valtteri Bottas will be on standby for the Silver Arrows.
Russell heads into the 17th round of the 2025 Formula One campaign fourth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, 36 points behind Max Verstappen in third, and 31 clear of fifth-placed Charles Leclerc.
However, Russell’s true battle over the coming eight races lies in the Constructors’ Championship. Mercedes are currently trailing Ferrari by just 20 points and, with rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli having scored just three top-10 finishes in the past 10 race weekends, the onus has been on the Brit to keep the Brackley squad within touching distance of their Italian rivals.
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