George Russell predicts that McLaren could trouble Mercedes and the teams ahead for the rest of 2023
McLaren have bagged a podium and a P4 finish at the British GP, and outscored Mercedes.
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McLaren celebrating their podium at the British GP (Left, credits: The Drive) and George Russell (Right, credits: PlanetF1)
In a turn of events at the British Grand Prix, Mercedes found themselves outmaneuvered by their customer team, McLaren, casting doubt on their own progress and leaving them to nurse their wounds. McLaren emerged as the clear leader among the chasing pack, the second-fastest team, trailing only Red Bull. Building on this newfound pace, George Russell firmly believes McLaren can sustain their momentum and challenge the frontrunners in the upcoming races.
A late safety car brought Lewis Hamilton right behind Lando Norris. With fresh tires, Hamilton had a chance to pass, but Norris defended fiercely. McLaren’s revamped car showcased newfound speed, neutralizing the threat from Mercedes and marking a turning point in their season. In the aftermath of the British Grand Prix, Hamilton’s teammate George Russell reaffirmed his confidence in McLaren’s ability to compete at the top of the grid for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Russell confidently stated, “I see no reason why they shouldn’t be up there now.” Having observed McLaren’s superior performance at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, Russell found their pace surprising, admitting, “I don’t know how they’ve found this much performance.”
Despite the surprise, Russell emphasized the necessity of focusing on their team’s improvement, claiming that McLaren’s success inspires his team to pick up their game and swiftly discover extra pace.
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Lewis Hamilton believes that F1 is witnessing ‘one of the most exciting times in the sport’
Echoing Russell’s remarks, Lewis Hamilton praised McLaren’s superior performance, noting that they outperformed Mercedes at the British GP and in the prior race. Hamilton stated, “Yes, 100% and last week. But this is the first time in a long time, and they deserved to have the performance they have, so we’ve got to do a better job.” Recognizing McLaren’s excellent accomplishments, Hamilton emphasized his team’s need to improve and rise to the challenge provided by their rivals.
Hamilton described the present situation of the sport as “one of the most exciting times I think we’ve seen in the sport.” He stated that regulations successfully closed the team gap, resulting in close competition. Hamilton highlighted the minor gaps between qualifying sessions, which he feels are critical for the sport’s evolution.
Although McLaren is currently engaged in a battle with Alpine for fifth place on the grid, the introduction of their upgraded car has elevated their prospects. Russell’s optimism extends beyond midfield rivalry, with the British driver suggesting that McLaren could pose a genuine threat to teams higher up the grid, including Ferrari.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)