George Russell close to tears after dramatic final lap crash denied him Singapore Grand Prix victory

Mercedes driver George Russell was close to tears after a dramatic final lap crash denied him victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

After a poor qualifying from reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen resulted in an 11th-place start, the Singapore Grand Prix was blown wide open for the others to win.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz led for the majority of the race but a brilliant strategy call from Mercedes allowed their drivers to be right in the mix towards the end of the race.

During the final lap of the race, Russell, who was in third place and on much fresher tyres, tried his best to overtake second-placed Lando Norris but pushed too hard going into turn 10.

As a result, the Brit clipped the wall on entry and in turn sent his car into the barriers, paving the way for teammate Lewis Hamilton to take the final podium spot.

Sainz managed to hold off Norris and Hamilton to become the first non-Red Bull driver to win an F1 race this season.

Speaking to the media after his dramatic crash, an emotional Russell was close to tears.

He said: “No words to be honest. Such a long, physical race. Difficult to keep concentration. Carlos did a great job backing the pack up, not allowing us to do the alternative strategy.

“I think we were half a car's length from winning the race had I got past Lando when I had the opportunity, I think we would have been able to get past Carlos.

“Then just the last lap, a millimetre lapse of concentration and game over. So just sorry to the whole team.”

Russell continued: “It was a really challenging race, the tyres were dropping off and you are pushing the limits. That's how racing should be, you make a small mistake and you are bitten for it.

“It's heart-breaking after such a great weekend - the car has felt great, qualifying was great, the race was great, we were bold with the strategy.

“I feel like I let myself and the team down. It's tough but we will come back.”

Russell will have to chance to bounce back next weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix.

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