Toto Wolff has defended George Russell following Kimi Antonelli’s championship triumph in Mexico, admitting Mercedes have not always given the Briton the car to perform this season.

While Antonelli celebrated becoming the youngest Formula 1 champion in history last weekend, George Russell left early after the disappointment of missing out on the championship.

Speaking in Mercedes' preview for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Wolff stressed that Russell's season had been affected by circumstances beyond his control.

Wolff backs Russell after Antonelli’s championship success

Speaking in Mercedes' preview for this weekend's race in Brazil, Wolff said: “Mexico was a special weekend for Kimi and the team. Winning the World Championship is an incredible achievement, particularly at this stage of his career, and he thoroughly deserves the moment.

“For George, there is natural disappointment. He has been hard on himself but he has driven at an incredibly high level this season and shown again the quality we know he has.

“There have been circumstances out of his control that haven't always fallen his way, and we have not always given him the car to perform. Nevertheless, the way he has continued to push and contributed to the team says so much about him.”

Mercedes turn attention to securing both championships

With the drivers' championship settled, Mercedes head to Interlagos with another title still to secure. If Mercedes outscore Ferrari by three points, or more this weekend, they will win the constructors' championship.