George Russell forced into "survival" mode to land podium
George Russell forced into "survival" mode to land podium
George Russell conceded it was a battle of "survival" at stages during the Spanish Grand Prix as he struggled with overheating issues before claiming his second podium for Mercedes.
In searing temperatures of 37 degrees at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, Russell led for a few laps just before the halfway point after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc retired with a power unit issue.
The Briton had managed to fend off Max Verstappen for a few laps previously, with the Dutchman struggling with a DRS problem before pitting in a bid to perform the undercut.
Russell, though, was soon passed by the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez who went on to claim second behind Verstappen after allowing by the Dutch driver late on.
Russell had to nurse his car to the finish, as was also the case with team-mate Lewis Hamilton who was fifth behind Ferrari's Carlos Sainz after giving up fourth on the final lap to avoid a DNF.
Asked whether Mercedes was back, though, Russell replied: "I'd love to say that but today was very tough.
"I gave everything I could to hold Max off. He did an amazing job but I'm just so proud to be standing here [in third]. The guys have worked so hard, so this is for everyone back in Brackley and Brixworth. Thank you."
As to the overheating problems, Russell added: "It hurt us a lot, to be honest, but when I had the Red Bulls in my mirrors all I was doing was giving my maximum to keep them behind. It was an enjoyable good couple of laps.
"Pleased to be able to bring it home P3, a lot of points on the board for us but it was very difficult in the last few laps."
On the closing stages, he added: "It was a survival race but we knew we had the gap. As I say, just glad to bring it home in P3."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Ferrari bound Bearman set to make key F1 move
- 15 minutes ago
F1 News Today: Verstappen delivers MAJOR Newey warning as Hamilton hints at Ferrari swoop
- 1 hour ago
F1 decision announced regarding points system change
- 1 hour ago
Verstappen sent Horner CLEAR message before Newey bombshell
- 2 hours ago
Horner admits Red Bull star may NEVER return to team
- 3 hours ago
F1 team OFFICIALLY confirms signing of new lead driver
- Today 08:57
Related news
Famous F1 track makes £43MILLION investment in bid to dodge AXE
Barcelona FIGHTS BACK in F1 circuit battle
F1 Madrid problem could be SOLVED by genius legendary tracks plan
'We will never have an African grand prix' - F1 fans react after Madrid race confirmation
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
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 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860