**”Preventative Measures: Mercedes Explains George Russell’s Unexpected DNF at British GP”**

Mercedes disclose the concern leading to George Russell's withdrawal at the British Grand Prix, describing it as a precautionary measure.

Mercedes announced that they decided to retire George Russell’s car during the F1 British Grand Prix as a precautionary measure.

Russell secured the top spot at Silverstone and initially led during Sunday's thrilling race that saw varying weather conditions. However, while he was in fourth place behind Max Verstappen of Red Bull, Mercedes unexpectedly told Russell to pull out of the race due to a leak in the water system.

Mercedes' trackside engineering chief, Andrew Shovlin, disclosed that the issue was identified early in the race, prompting the team to summon Russell to the pits out of concern that his engine might incur permanent damage.

"Regrettably, we became aware of a problem quite early in the race, and we monitored it from the initial stint," Shovlin stated in the team's latest post-race debrief video.

"We were unaware that the issue would be so severe, but it was connected to a leak in the water system, which led to a drop in pressure. Ultimately, we halted the car to safeguard the power unit."

"We were aware that completing the race was not an option for us. It's crucial to avoid finishing the race only to damage the power unit, as this could lead to a penalty down the line."

"It was a preventative measure, but we knew we wouldn't make it to the finish line."

If Russell had remained in the race, Mercedes believes he would have secured at least a fourth-place finish and might have even competed for a podium position.

"It's difficult to determine our exact finishing position given the variable conditions during the race," Shovlin stated.

"If the race had remained dry from the beginning to the end, considering George's impressive start and his ability to extend his lead, I believe his afternoon would have been relatively uncomplicated."

"However, at the moment we opted to pull the car out of the race, we had intermediate tires on. George was running in P4 and gaining on Max, so things appeared promising."

"In order to get him onto the podium, he likely would have needed to pass Max at that stage, given that we timed Lewis's switch to dry tires accurately."

"I believe it was likely too wet earlier. As I mentioned, a fourth-place finish was the least he could achieve, but he might have had a chance if he had overtaken Max while on the intermediate tires."

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