“Glad to bring it home in P3,” George Russell cheerful to bring double podium for Mercedes at the French GP

“Glad to bring it home in P3,” George Russell cheerful to bring double podium for Mercedes at the French GP

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton

George Russell finished the French Grand Prix at P3 after a fantastic fight with Sergio Perez. George managed his fourth podium and another top 5 finish for the season. Russell started P6 after a disappointing finish to his Qualifying, but he was very certain for a podium place finish as he mentioned yesterday. Mercedes registered their first double podium of the season with Lewis Hamilton finishing the team best, P2, of the season. The consistency and luck the silver arrow are carrying are marking their comeback.

George appreciated the pace he carried throughout the weekend and was very pleased with a P3 finish. With the tyre degradation coming into play as he fought his way with Sergio Perez on the last few laps, he was happy even to come back home with a much-deserved podium. He wasn’t as competitive as Lewis with the same car but still managed to beat a top-tier, Red Bull, with old tyres which is remarkable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqKUF4GOk9o

“The pace was strong. We really struggled with the warm-up after that restart and Checo was all over me. I am happy to have made it over the checkered line and home in P3, “ said George Russell.

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George Russell reflects back on the fight with Sergio Perez

George Russell
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton on the Paul Ricard podium

Russell, Sergio and Carlos Sainz had a three-way fight for the last position on the podium. Though George grabbed it later on in the race, a controversial overtake after the VSC took place as Perez came down to P4. Russell rushed down Sergio as the VSC ended with the Red Bull realising it a bit late.

“I saw him struggling when Sainz got past. I had that one opportunity and the rules are pretty clear because I had one tyre in front of him in the corner. Front-wheel to the rear wheel and he didn’t leave me much space but glad to bring it home in P3 and a double podium, “ said George Russell.

Russell is currently P5 in the championship with just one point to Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari. With 143 points on the fourth, he is just 16 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton with 127 points on P3.

Also read: ‘My worst weekend up to qualifying really’: Sergio Perez reflects on his recovery after a challenging start  

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