George Russell rejoices ‘amazing’ Belgian GP victory keeping Lewis Hamilton at bay

George Russell admitted that he could not have predicted winning the Belgian GP after managing to hold position from Lewis Hamilton.

George Russell rejoices ‘amazing’ Belgian GP victory keeping Lewis Hamilton at bay

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (images via IMAGO)

The Belgian GP was expected to be yet another exciting race. The 2024 season has delivered some thrilling action and this weekend was no different. Mercedes’ George Russell took his second win of the season after a hard-fought battle with Lewis Hamilton.

Russell was on a different strategy than Hamilton. The 26-year-old seemed to be set to potentially grab a podium. Lewis Hamilton was closing in on George Russell with only a few laps remaining. However, the latter managed to keep calm as the two fought tooth and nail. Russell claimed that it was an amazing result which he really didn’t predict during the team meeting before the race.

Amazing, amazing result - definitely didn't predict this win this morning in our strategy meeting.
George Russell said post-race
YouTube video

Moreover, George Russell highlighted that his tires worked great throughout the course of the Grand Prix. This allowed the 26-year-old to shift to a one-step instead of the standard two-stop done by Hamilton and most of his rivals. Ultimately, this got Russell to take victory.

FS Video
The tires felt great so I just kept saying we can do the one-stop, we can do the one-stop.
George Russell stated
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George Russell praises Lewis Hamilton for ‘controlling’ Belgian GP

Russell congratulated Lewis Hamilton for finishing in second place. The 26-year-old claimed that Hamilton managed to control the race very well. George Russell went as far as stating that the seven-time world champion would’ve won the race in different circumstances.

Well done to Lewis, he did a great job controlling the race and if circumstances were different he could have won the race.
George Russell noted
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

The 26-year-old asserted that he was completely focused on his runs during the race. However, George Russell made it clear that it was the team effort which allowed him to clinch victory. Russell applauded his strategy team for doing an incredible job.

I was focusing a lot on the race. It was a team effort - Joey and Leo on strategy did a great job. It's a team effort.
George Russell stated

Certainly, George Russell is delighted to become the first driver apart from Max Verstappen to win two races this year. The 26-year-old further demonstrated that he can match and outperform Lewis Hamilton on pure pace. Mercedes would be proud to see its future leader’s performance this weekend. Fans would be hoping that Russell continues this run after the summer break.

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