Baku Grand Prix Weekend: Russell Skips Media Duties Due to Illness
George Russell will miss the initial media engagements of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend as he contends with illness. The Mercedes driver arrived in Baku on Wednesday but was unable to participate in Thursday’s paddock activities. A team spokesperson confirmed, “George is unwell so unfortunately won’t be at track today, as he’s resting up ahead of tomorrow’s track action.”
Russell’s absence coincides with the start of the flyaway rounds, marking the final eight races outside of Europe. Typically, drivers fulfill mandatory media responsibilities on Thursdays, along with engineering and marketing commitments before Friday’s track sessions.
Currently, Russell sits fourth in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Max Verstappen by 36 points and holding a 31-point advantage over Charles Leclerc.
The first practice session (FP1) is scheduled to commence at 12:30 PM local time on Friday. Mercedes officials remain optimistic about Russell’s recovery, planning to utilize reserve driver Valtteri Bottas if necessary. Bottas has previously secured victory at the Baku City Circuit in 2019, making him a capable replacement during Russell’s potential absence.
