George Russell in tears as he breaks his silence after being STRIPPED of Belgian GP victory following disqualification for his Mercedes being 1.5kg underweight – and pays tribute to team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

**Breaking News: George Russell in Tears After Being Stripped of Belgian GP Victory Due to Disqualification**

**Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium** – In an emotional turn of events, George Russell broke his silence today following the disqualification that stripped him of his victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver, visibly distraught, addressed the media after it was revealed that his car was found to be 1.5kg underweight, leading to the controversial decision.

Russell’s win at the Belgian GP was initially celebrated as a remarkable achievement, marking his first victory of the season. However, the joy was short-lived as post-race inspections revealed that his Mercedes car did not meet the required weight regulations. The disqualification has sent shockwaves through the racing community, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of triumph for the young driver.

In a tearful press conference, Russell expressed his profound disappointment and frustration over the situation. “I’m heartbroken,” Russell said, his voice trembling with emotion. “Winning the race meant everything to me, but to have it taken away due to an issue we didn’t anticipate is devastating. We have always worked hard to ensure our car complies with all regulations, and this is a tough pill to swallow.”

Russell went on to acknowledge the support of his Mercedes team, paying tribute to their unwavering dedication and effort. “I want to thank everyone at Mercedes for their hard work and commitment. They have been incredible throughout this season, and this situation doesn’t change how much I value their support,” he said. His voice cracking, he added, “This is a team effort, and we’ll come back stronger.”

Amidst his personal anguish, Russell also took the opportunity to pay a heartfelt tribute to his team-mate, Lewis Hamilton. “Lewis has been an amazing teammate and mentor to me,” Russell said, tears streaming down his face. “He’s shown me what it means to be a true professional both on and off the track. His support and guidance have been invaluable, and I am grateful to have him by my side.”

Hamilton, who was also present at the Belgian GP, expressed his solidarity with Russell and the team. “George drove a fantastic race and was deserving of the victory,” Hamilton said in a separate statement. “It’s tough to see a colleague and friend go through something like this. We’ll continue to support him and work together to address the issue.”

The disqualification has sparked widespread debate within the F1 community, with many questioning the fairness of the regulations and the impact of such penalties on drivers. Russell’s fans and fellow competitors have rallied behind him, offering their support during this challenging time.

The Mercedes team is currently investigating the cause of the weight discrepancy and working to ensure that similar issues do not arise in the future. “We are thoroughly reviewing the situation and will take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal.

As Russell and his team regroup, the focus now shifts to the upcoming races and how they will respond to this setback. The disqualification has undoubtedly added pressure on the team to deliver strong performances in the remaining races of the season.

Despite the setback, Russell remains determined to continue pushing forward. “I will use this experience to fuel my determination and focus on the next races,” he said. “I know we have a strong team, and together, we will overcome this challenge.”

The F1 community will be closely watching how Russell and Mercedes navigate this difficult period and how they perform in the races ahead. For now, Russell’s emotional response and tribute to his team and Hamilton underscore the personal and professional impact of the disqualification.