LONDON: George Russell has "spoken from the heart" to admit it was "tough to deal" with seeing his Formula One title bid disintegrate.

The Briton's Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli became the sport's youngest world champion and Italy's first since 1953 on Sunday in Mexico City.

Mercedes were fined for allowing Russell, the clear pre-season favourite, to skip his post-race media duties having left the track early.

Russell's disappointing campaign was in stark contrast to the 20-year-old Antonelli's historic year.