George Russell

Russell admits teams don't know WHAT to think about stunning new challengers

Joe Ellis Sunday 9 July 2023 22:42 Updated: 23:10

George Russell was left gobsmacked by the speed McLaren had as they beat Mercedes overall at the British Grand Prix.

Russell had to fight his way past Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari before reaching the chrome and papaya cars that were holding onto the back of race winner Max Verstappen better than anyone, including themselves, expected.

A safety car for Kevin Magnussen's burning Haas brought the two Mercedes drivers into third and fifth behind the McLarens in second and fourth.

But despite softer tyres being on the W14, Lewis Hamilton could not find a way past Lando Norris and Russell failed to make an impression on Oscar Piastri.

George Russell was a lucky invitee to fly with the RAF in a Euroffighter Typhoon in the build up to the British GP

Russell: We don't know what to think

“McLarens were super impressive. They drove a great race," Russell said to Sky Sports. "I feel bad for Oscar because he was driving really really well, being super impressed by what he’s been achieving this year. He was deserving of [podium] finisher.

"Unfortunately, safety car timing that hindered him, and hindered myself. In the end, I think it was a relatively good weekend for us.

"Our pace compared to Ferrari, Aston and Red Bull was probably better than we thought. Those McLarens have just come from nowhere. We don’t really know what to think."

Latest News

Latest F1 News

F1 announce Barcelona update in unprecedented 2026 confirmation

32 minutes ago

Ferrari

Ex-Ferrari F1 boss makes SHOCK move to join rivals McLaren

1 hour ago

F1 2025

F1 Penalty Points 2025: Stars under pressure ahead of British Grand Prix

1 hour ago

F1 Today

F1 News Today: FIA announce Lando Norris disqualification verdict as F1 star set to serve penalty at Silverstone

1 hour ago

Austrian Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri issues one-word response after brutal Lando Norris battle at Austrian GP

2 hours ago

Austrian Grand Prix

'Please help' - F1 star Lando Norris pleads with McLaren during Oscar Piastri battle at Austrian GP

3 hours ago

More news

FIA announce Charles Leclerc disqualification verdict ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

12 june

250.000+ views

FIA issue Lando Norris disqualification verdict at Austrian Grand Prix

Yesterday 19:54

200.000+ views

FIA announce George Russell punishment verdict at Canadian Grand Prix

14 june

150.000+ views

FIA announce harsh McLaren penalty verdict after Oscar Piastri incident at Canadian GP

14 june

150.000+ views

Mercedes F1 star hit by FIA deleted lap ruling after Canadian Grand Prix

16 june

100.000+ views

FIA announce Lewis Hamilton punishment verdict at Austrian Grand Prix

27 june

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY