George Russell’s absence from the post-race press conference at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix raised eyebrows, especially after securing a commendable third-place finish. The Mercedes driver later revealed he was battling severe stomach pain, attributing his discomfort to an unusual breakfast choice. Russell had deviated from his typical morning routine, opting for avocado toast and a flat white coffee at 7 a.m., which he believed triggered his illness. BBC reporter Jennie Gow observed that during an interview, Russell was visibly in distress, even lying on the ground clutching his stomach.
Despite his condition, Russell participated in the podium ceremony. However, he was excused from the subsequent press conference due to medical reasons. Adding to the day’s challenges, Red Bull lodged a protest alleging that Russell failed to slow sufficiently under a yellow flag during Oliver Bearman’s crash. The race stewards dismissed the protest, allowing Russell to retain his podium position.
This podium marked Mercedes’ first in Miami and Russell’s fourth of the 2025 season, equaling his total from the previous year. Currently, he stands fourth in the driver standings, just six points behind Max Verstappen. Reflecting on the season, Russell expressed satisfaction with maximizing the car’s performance, acknowledging that while Mercedes might not have the second-fastest car, consistent driving has yielded top results.
Russell’s resilience in Miami is part of a broader narrative of perseverance. In the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, he suffered from borderline heatstroke, staggering post-race due to the extreme conditions. Similarly, the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix tested drivers’ limits, with Russell describing it as the most physically demanding race he’d experienced. These instances underscore the physical and mental challenges F1 drivers face, highlighting Russell’s determination and commitment to the sport.