Mercedes play 'joker' to help Russell ace Mexican qualifying

Mercedes has been forced to use its second 'joker' of the season following George Russell's heavy crash during practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Through a fast sweep of corners in the middle sector of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Russell rode the kerb at Turn 8, only for the car to bottom out, leading to a snap that resulted in him smacking into a Tecpro barrier side-on with a 35g impact.

Russell was left visibly shaken and seemingly clutching his ribs but was given the all-clear following a visit to the circuit's medical centre.

As for the Briton's W15, however, that was badly damaged, and for the second time in seven days following his crash in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix.

In order to ready the car for third practice and qualifying in Mexico City, Mercedes' personnel were forced to undertake overnight repairs, which is against the regulations, albeit every team is allowed two exemptions.

A Mercedes spokesperson said: "In order to repair George’s car for FP3, we used our second of two allowed ‘jokers’ last night and thus broke curfew.

"As it is only the second time we have done this so far this year, no penalty will be incurred."

Fortunately for Russell and Mercedes, there was some good news as the spokesperson added: "We have had to change the chassis but, after checks, the power unit and gearbox were okay."