George Russell, 2nd: “The team hoped for even more”

George Russell took second place in the Dutch Grand Prix this Sunday, equaling his best result in F1 after Spa-Francorchamps in 2021. The Briton was beaten by the only Max Verstappen, in front of an audience entirely committed to the cause of its champion. George Russell's first words were to congratulate the public: “First of all, a huge thank you to everyone here. We were all very well received. »

Russell happy, Hamilton angry

Only sixth on the starting grid, the start of the race for George Russell, overtaken by Lando Norris in the first lap, did not predict such a result at the finish. The offbeat strategy of Mercedes, with his two drivers on Medium tires at the start, nevertheless allowed him to come back and play for the podium in the wake of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. A Safety Car nevertheless turned the entire strategy of the German team upside down.

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While Max Verstappen had already put on Soft tires to finish the race and came out behind the two Silver Arrows, George Russell asked to also switch to this tire, leaving his illustrious compatriot without protection against the Red Bull. Hamilton could do nothing with his worn Medium tires to defend against the reigning world champion, nor against his young teammate, who stole second place on the podium in an overtake where the elder's frustration resulted in a sudden defensive movement at the start of the straight.

“We like to keep battles close between us, commented George Russell at the microphone of David Coulthard. We showed a very high pace collectively. The team was hoping for even more today, but we showed something very good today by being on the podium again. We pass stages and return to the front of the grid. » Lewis Hamilton also hoped for something more. The seven-time world champion, fourth on arrival, did not hide his anger at the strategy decided by Mercedes.