Russell’s race strategy disappointment cost Mercedes a chance at Sao Paulo victory, as he wanted to stay on track.
George Russell finished fourth in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, but the Mercedes F1 driver had led the entire first part of the race through the downpour at Interlagos. He didn’t hide his frustration over the radio when the red flag came out, giving the three drivers who finished ahead of him a free stop to change tyres.
“If we had stayed out, we would have been at the front for the restart, ahead of Max, Ocon, and Gasly. It was easier leading the race. I don’t know where I would have ended up, but I was angry in the moment because I wanted to stay out on track,” Russell stated.
The Briton regrets not being able to follow his instincts after a well-executed start to the race: “It was very difficult, but we were comfortable in those opening laps; everything was under control.”
“I had a 12-second lead over third place, managing the gap to Lando. Those three laps in the middle were tough, which is why I wanted to stay on track. I sensed there might be a Safety Car or a red flag, as it was almost undriveable.”
Finishing tenth, Lewis Hamilton revealed that his car was extremely rigid over the bumps, saying it hadn’t been this challenging all season: “The car was tough to drive, but I appreciate the team in the garage—they arrived very early this morning and did a fantastic job this weekend, both here and at the factory.”
“The team could have won today. My car was like a plank of wood, with no suspension. I was bouncing on the tyres in every corner. This was the worst handling I’ve experienced, especially in the corners—it was incredibly rigid. The next three tracks aren’t as bumpy.”
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Mercedes Tactics Cost Russell Chance to Challenge Verstappen Mercedes Tactics Cost Russell Chance to Challenge Verstappen
