"Feels like a baby’s inside of me," insisted Russell after his health issues in Miami

Having grabbed another podium finish at the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell was forced to skip the post-race FIA press conference due to medical reasons.

Coming off the back of sensational performances both in the sprint and the main qualifying, Mercedes struggled for race pace in the 57-lap Miami race.

Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli was running in second early on, he was powerless to hold the faster McLarens at bay. The Italian then lost time during a slow pit stop before he lost further race time compared to his team-mate George Russell, who could shorten the duration of his own pit stop thanks to a virtual safety car interruption. Antonelli ended up sixth behind the Williams of Alexander Albon.

Russell looked to struggle for grip during the opening stint on the hards, but he benefitted from a cheap stop during the VSC. The Briton rejoined the track just ahead of Verstappen, and managed to stay in front of the Dutchman to pick up yet another podium.

Despite his great result, Russell was forced to skip the FIA’s post-race press conference, citing medical reasons related to stomach cramps caused by his stiff W16 car

Elaborating on his health issues, Russell told Viaplay that his problems were down to the stiffness of his W16 which had taken a toll on him physically.

“The car was really stiff, and the last 15 laps I got a really bad stomach cramp so now suddenly trying to stand tall I feel likes there’s a baby inside of me. I don’t know what it is, but… I feel okay, but I just can’t stand up. Like, my stomach is cramping.”