George Russell has explained how he managed to hold off Lewis Hamilton’s late charge and secure third place at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Russell started from second on the grid but was overtaken by Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap. After the pit stops, Russell regained the position, only for Mercedes to instruct him to let Antonelli back through because the championship leader was running an alternative tyre strategy.
That left Russell defending from Hamilton, who was rapidly moving through the field after Ferrari’s cars. Russell said the battle was difficult, but he was able to maintain enough pace through the high-speed sections to stay competitive in the final sector and defend into Turn 1.
He also noted that the race unfolded differently for him and Antonelli. Russell struggled during his medium-tyre stint but was stronger on the hard compound, while Antonelli experienced the opposite. A Virtual Safety Car also gave Hamilton a free pit stop, increasing the pressure on Russell.
Despite Mercedes continuing to lead both championships, Russell admitted the team has endured a difficult couple of races, with McLaren winning in Hungary and at Zandvoort. He expects Mercedes to improve at Monza but believes McLaren currently has the advantage, particularly on high-degradation circuits
Russell also warned that Ferrari’s upcoming engine upgrade could alter the competitive picture at Monza. He currently sits second in the drivers’ championship on 183 points, level with Hamilton and 59 points behind Antonelli.
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