George Russell was surprised by Mercedes’ lack of pace in Brazil. Image: @GeorgeRussell63/x
Russell helps Mercedes secure second place in the constructors race
With teammate Lewis Hamilton struggling, Mercedes’ George Russell took it upon himself to fight for the podium and secure P2 for his team.
George Russell was surprised by Mercedes’ lack of pace in Brazil. Image: @GeorgeRussell63/x
George Russell’s third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helped Mercedes finish second in the constructors’ championship.
The 25-year-old said he was “pleased” to help seal second place after he survived a late scare from Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc to score a podium.
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Russell secures second podium of the season to lift Mercedes
The Briton has had a tough season, only managing to finish eight in the Drivers’ standing.
Asked how much P2 means to Mercedes, Russell said: “It means a huge amount. There are so many people back at the factory, Brackley and Brixworth, who have worked so hard to achieve this. It’s been a really challenging season.
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“I’ve let the side down a couple of times this year, so pleased to have brought it across the line today. Today was tight with Checo at the end, I thought Charles was going to back me up but respect to him for keeping it clean. Can chill out now,” said Russell.
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Mercedes had a four-point lead over Ferrari heading into the race and in the hopes of helping his team in the battle, Leclerc let Perez through late on so that he could create a gap bigger than five seconds to Russell.
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Lewis Hamilton, who struggled for pace in Abu Dhabi, finished in 9th but it was Russell’s drive that secured the points for the Brackley based team.
