George Russell gives health update after leaving Azerbaijan Grand Prix early

George Russell left the Formula 1 paddock quickly after practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as he continues to battle illness ahead of the race.

F1 is in Baku this weekend where McLaren can clinch the constructors’ championship in record time, amid the title fight between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

But it was Ferrari and Sir Lewis Hamilton who set the pace in Friday practice while the McLarens struggled, with Norris notably hitting the wall and damaging his rear suspension in the second session.

Russell finished fourth and third in the two sessions and may fancy his chances of winning his second race of the year at the chaotic and unpredictable Baku street circuit

The Mercedes driver’s early pace is even more impressive when you consider that he has been suffering with sickness in the build-up to the grand prix and was forced to miss his media duties on Thursday as a result.

Fans and pundits were quick to notice how poorly the Brit sounded on the team radio as he gave feedback to his engineer, deeply concerning given that Azerbaijan is one of the most physically and mentally demanding circuits on the calendar.

‘From the look of it, from what I can see of his crash helmet and of himself physically, George looks fine,’ Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz noted.

‘But that radio message really proves that he is feeling rougher than a badger’s behind, isn’t he? I mean, he sounded terrible.

‘We don’t know whether it’s an upset stomach or a fever. He’s been ill – he missed the day yesterday trying to prepare for today, but he’s barely got a voice at all there. I know how he feels, sometimes.

‘Poor George, I think he must be feeling it. And it’s a pretty physical circuit, when you’re feeling not well.’

It seemed Russell’s condition may have gotten worse after practice after he was pictured making a hasty exit from the paddock back to his hotel room, skipping the drivers’ briefing.

But speaking to the media later, the 27-year-old seemed in a good mood, though he confirmed he was not ‘100 per cent’.

He said: ‘That was an encouraging Friday for us here in Azerbaijan. We ended the day in the top four in both sessions and know we’ve still got further improvements we can make.

‘I am now looking forward to resting up tonight, getting back to 100 per cent, and coming back strong for the rest of the weekend.

‘We know it will once again be tight with our competitors, with Ferrari looking impressive and McLaren not yet showing their hand. If we can build on today though, then there’s no reason we can’t be in the fight for the podium on race day.’

‘Good to be back at the circuit today,’ he added on his Instagram story. Feeling a bit better this evening so hopefully back to 100 per cent tomorrow.’

Should Russell not be passed fit to take any further part in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas is on hand to fill his seat.

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