Russell's car missing crucial sensors as Wolff reveals rebuild issues

Russell had initially made an impressive start to Saturday's rain-delayed Sprint, launching from second on the grid to overtake Max Verstappen and take the lead into the opening corner.

However, his race came to an abrupt end at the final corner of the opening lap. Russell applied the throttle too early and caught the white line, sending his Mercedes into a spin before crashing into the pit wall.

Mercedes mechanics faced a race against time to repair the damage ahead of qualifying, where Russell managed to set the sixth-fastest time. Despite that result, the Briton will start Sunday's Grand Prix from the back of the grid after taking a new power unit.

It did not last. He got on the power too early at the final corner of the opening lap and also touched the white line. The car spun across the track and hit the pit wall.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after qualifying, Wolff praised the work done in the garage. He also suggested the rushed rebuild had a cost.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Wolff also revealed just how little time Mercedes had to prepare Russell's car for qualifying following his Sprint crash: "With George, the car was only finished at the very last minute. The floor is probably not quite as it should be. So all in all, it was a good performance."

Wolff also admitted that Russell's Sprint crash had caught him completely by surprise, particularly given the Briton's strong record of avoiding mistakes in recent races: "When I saw the yellow coming out, I didn't think it was him because I couldn't imagine that George would make such a mistake because it hasn't happened for a long time."

Mercedes has adopted two different technical specifications for its drivers in Singapore, continuing its assessment of the upgrade package introduced at the previous round in Malaysia. While Russell has reverted to the configuration that proved so successful in Azerbaijan, championship leader Kimi Antonelli has retained the newer version of the W17.

The Italian qualified fourth, finishing 0.189 seconds behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen. Although Mercedes has seen encouraging signs from its latest developments, Wolff believes further evidence is needed before the team can properly assess their effectiveness: "It will take more proof of concept until I'm feeling warm and fuzzy, but we will have more data tomorrow in the race."

With Antonelli starting fourth and Russell forced to line up at the back of the grid, Mercedes faces a difficult task in Sunday's Grand Prix. Wolff acknowledged that the team will primarily be focused on limiting the damage in the championship, particularly given the difficulties of overtaking around Marina Bay.