Mercedes driver George Russell was reportedly in tears after a crucial mistake cost him a podium finish in the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, September 17.

Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz said the Brit was teary-eyed after the race, which was a bitter ending to a sensational weekend after he qualified second on Saturday, September 16, and had a great race until the final lap blunder during race day.

Russell incredibly frustrated

"What am I? a f****ng rookie?," the 25-year-old said to himself in frustration while wearing sunglasses to cover his tears, according to Kravitz.

During the final laps, four drivers were in contention for the chequered flag - Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, McLaren's Lando Norris, and Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Russell, who was in third place, was making a charge against Norris in the final lap to battle race leader Sainz for the win, but he was a millimeter too close to the wall, causing him to crash into the barriers at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The past weekend was a rare dip in form for Red Bull and Max Verstappen, a chance for the rest of the grid to claim a win this season.

Russell was disappointed for not taking any points after being on course for at least a podium finish.

"It's heart-breaking after such a great weekend. The car felt great, qualifying, the race was great and we were bold with the strategy. I feel like I've let myself and the team down. It's tough. We'll be back," the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix winner said.