Formule-1 : Wolff acknowledges costly pitstop mistake that derailed Russell in Monaco

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff takes full responsibility for the pit-stop blunder that derailed George Russell's Monaco Grand Prix. This error transformed an already challenging race into a nightmare, culminating in a drive-through penalty that severely impacted Russell's championship aspirations.

Russell began the race in sixth, struggling against teammate Kimi Antonelli and found himself stuck behind Isack Hadjar. Mercedes aimed to implement an undercut strategy on lap 31, but Russell exceeded the pit-lane speed limit, resulting in a five-second penalty. Wolff expressed confusion over why so many drivers faced similar penalties, highlighting a potential issue with pit-lane regulations.

The situation worsened when a Safety Car incident led to further miscommunication. Mercedes failed to serve Russell’s five-second penalty before working on the car, escalating it to a drive-through penalty. Wolff acknowledged the team's oversight, emphasizing the need for improved communication.

Despite a brief moment of hope when a red flag allowed Russell to move up to third, the penalty ultimately dropped him to a disappointing 12th place. This incident marks a rare misstep for Mercedes, but Wolff remains optimistic about the long championship ahead, encouraging Russell to stay focused and resilient.