Where did it go wrong for Russell – and can he regroup for 2027?

The stadium at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a superb sporting stage. When it’s the scene of a champion's coronation the atmosphere becomes truly special – as we witnessed on Sunday for Kimi Antonelli.

Five minutes after the chequered flag waved in Mexico City, George Russell ventured into the great spectacle, surveying what he could have won.

The ticker tape was fluttering down upon the cars and the trio of title winning drivers on the podium. The black and gold World Champion board was placed at the nose of a silver Mercedes – but not his.