After a successful day in Austria capitalising on the fight out front and taking a win, George Russell admitted it’s great to have the “opportunity to be fighting at the front.” Hoping that the Mercedes fight would continue at Silverstone.
In Austria, George Russell crossed the line to take his second win of his career. This came following a crash between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen on Lap 64. Enabling the Brit to benefit, taking the lead and holding off a closing Oscar Piastri. Taking the top step around the Red Bull Ring.
When asked if Mercedes could end up in the same situation again around Silverstone, Russell admitted, “Lando and Max are probably going to be the two guys out in front.”
After the incident that led that to Verstappen and Norris falling out of contention for the win, there was controversy over who was at fault. Lewis Hamilton has been well known for his fights with Verstappen throughout the 2021 season. Hamilton was asked his opinion of the Norris v Verstappen fight, but he was quick to shut down the discussion.
“I didn’t think anything of it. I was more concerned about my race and enjoying the team’s win.”
Russell was similarly asked about incidents with the 3 time world champion. The Brit had a small incident with Verstappen in Baku in 2023. The incident resulting in contact and damage for both cars, with interesting words being shared between the two drivers.
Despite this, when he was asked if he races against Verstappen differently than other driver he made it clear. “No, I don’t think so. To be honest, Max is one of the best, and he’s a hard racer, and he’ll push rules to the limit. As all top drivers do,“ he also remarked, “I think we all know what the rules are around moving under braking. You probably push slightly beyond the limit. As for the incident, as Lando said, it was just kind of small thing with big consequences.“
However, Hamilton and Russell’s focus remained on the weekend ahead. The 7 time world champion has won a record 8 times around Silverstone. The last time he stood on the top step in England was in 2021. When discussing the possibility of taking a win, this time round, Hamilton was honest.
“Out of pure performance, I don’t think we are currently in the same place as, naturally, you’ve seen in the last couple races. On these high-speed circuits, particularly McLaren, I think probably might be the quickest. Or at least Max, and I think we’re not that far behind. We’ve definitely seen some really huge strides forward. It’s great to see that we are slowly eking closer to the front runners.”
Hamilton Talked About his History at Silverstone
“I think 2008, will always be my most special, my first Grand Prix win here. In the rain, and that’s my first real engagement, or beginning of the journey with the fans here.”
Russell and Norris are the two other driver racing under the Birtish flag on the grid. Both younger Brits were asked about the possibility of winning this weekend and what that would mean.
Russell mused, “Obviously, for us winning any Grand Prix is an incredibly feeling. We both don’t have many to our name. To win you’re home Grand Prix is always one that you dream of,” He continued, discussing the fans, “I think we’re so fortunate to have Silverstone as our home race because I truly think this weekend is really special for the fans.”
Even thogh the two Mercedes drivers are heading into the weekend with the third/fourth fastest car, they will be looking to put themselves in a position to capitalise if there are more incidents between Verstappen and Norris. No doubt wanting to impress the home crowd.
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