George Russell claims he ‘channeled his inner Fernando Alonso’ on SENSATIONAL lap one start at Spanish GP

George Russell managed a fourth place finish in Barcelona.

George Russell claims he ‘channeled his inner Fernando Alonso’ on SENSATIONAL lap one start at Spanish GP

George Russell and Fernando Alonso (via IMAGO)

Mercedes driver, George Russell made a stellar move on the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, leapfrogging three drivers to take the lead despite starting in P4. Russell claimed that he channeled his inner Fernando Alonso to make the overtake in Barcelona.

Fernando Alonso is one of the most skilled and experienced drivers in Formula 1 and is also notorious for making daring overtakes on the track. Alonso has inspired the likes of many, including Russell, who took a trick out of the Spaniard’s book to make a move going into turn one of the Spanish Grand Prix.

YouTube video

George Russell later revealed that he had thought of a move like this the night before but the British driver was well aware of the risks and rewards associated with it. The 26-year-old proclaimed that the race in Barcelona would be a tight and fast-paced one so a triple overtake amidst the chaos of the start would be greatly rewarding if he could pull it off.

FS Video
I was channeling my inner Alonso from [2011]… That was such an iconic start. I knew the weather was saying it was going to be a big headwind into that corner and I knew I could brake really, really deep and caught the guys off-guard.
George Russell said via F1

The Brit finished the race in P4 despite his heroic efforts as McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass starting from higher on the grid. However, the Brit will be pleased with his efforts in Barcelona as he looks to bounce back in Austria during the upcoming race weekend.

Lewis Hamilton claims Mercedes is ‘at its max’ currently after race in Barcelona

Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton has said that the team is performing at its highest potential after a strong outing at the Spanish Grand Prix. Hamilton scored his first podium of the season after a struggling start to the campaign.

Lewis Hamilton and W15
Lewis Hamilton and W15 (via IMAGO)
No, I think that's the maximum it's got at the moment.
Lewis Hamilton on Mercedes’ potential via Motorsport

Mercedes has picked up pace since the Monaco Grand Prix, where they experimented with a newer front wing on George Russell’s car. The upgrades henceforth have done wonders for the Germans, as they now appear to be challenging against the heavyweights on the grid.

However, Lewis Hamilton talked about the need to press more along the areas of improvement in order to gain a few extra tenths to challenge Red Bull and McLaren. The upcoming races of Spielberg and Silverstone will hugely determine how Mercedes will finish the 2024 season as they eye even better performances going forward.

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