Instead, it was a different Mercedes driver who was the best in class this year, with Antonelli deservedly winning his first-ever championship. Things were made worse for Russell in Mexico City, where he endured a terrible day on track.

Russell started in second, but was hampered by a technical issue beyond his control in the early stages of the race. He was also given a 10-second penalty after he was adjudged to have caused a collision with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar.

In the end, Russell finished sixth, and because of his double disappointment, Mercedes allowed him to skip his mandatory media duties. As a result, Mercedes have been fined £4,100 by the FIA.

Toto Wolff was quizzed on Russell after the race and revealed how devastated his driver is: "I saw George after the race on the FIA scales, and obviously he's distraught about the situation.

Wolff added: "And so I'm very much with him at the moment. I've been in situations where it's very, very difficult to cope. So, him not doing the media work, or leaving the track, is absolutely understandable. Him staying would have actually surprised me."

The media will next get a chance to speak to Russell in Sao Paulo ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend. It’s one of four races left this season, with Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi also still to come.