Russell calls his pace "rubbish" after struggling in Austin

Mercedes driver George Russell finished eighth in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, a 56-lap race, 54 seconds behind race-winning team-mate Kimi Antonelli. The result only just keeps Russell in mathematical contention for the world championship heading into next week's race in Mexico, where Antonelli is set to clinch the title.

Russell held his starting position of sixth through the first stint, but dropped to eighth after serving a five-second penalty at his only pit stop. The penalty was for a first-lap incident with McLaren's Oscar Piastri, when Russell was judged to have gained an advantage by running off track. He then spent the last 26 laps behind Piastri, an Australian, and could not find a way past.

Russell told Sky Sports F1 the pace was "rubbish" and not good enough when it mattered. He said the penalty probably cost him two or three positions. He added that he had no immediate answer for the struggle and needed to try to understand it.

Mercedes explanation

Antonelli's win was his ninth of the year. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called it the best race Antonelli has delivered so far. It was also the first win for Mercedes' upgraded car, which the team has needed time to get the best out of since the aerodynamic revisions debuted at the start of October. The team has said the changes narrowed the car's optimum set-up window.

Wolff said Russell struggled because the car's operating window is so difficult. He said that in qualifying's third part things did not work, and he felt it looked a bit unfair that Russell stayed stuck behind Piastri, given the same engine and electrical deployment.

Sky Sports F1 analyst Jenson Button said he did not believe Russell's pace was so far off that he would be 54 seconds slower over a race distance. The next round is the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend.