Mercedes’ George Russell feels “proud” of his third-placed finish after enduring a “super tough” 2022 Spanish Grand Prix.
Having brought an aerodynamic upgrade to Spain, Mercedes enjoyed a strong weekend as Russell finished second in Friday Practice, before qualifying fourth on the grid as he outqualified Red Bull’s Sergio Perez on Saturday (21 May).
Sunday’s race however saw Russell forced to execute a three-stop tyre strategy in blisteringly hot conditions as he finished third on the road, having led four laps between Laps 28-31 after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc retired with a power unit failure.
Reflecting on his overall race which saw him battle hard against both Red Bull drivers, Russell said: “Today was super tough! I’m just so proud to be standing here on the podium and bring it home for the team.”
Russell though did frustrate Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen for much of the race until he fell behind the Red Bull duo after his final stop, which the Brit found “enjoyable” after a tough couple of races in Imola and Miami.
Explaining what it was like getting to properly battle with Verstappen and Perez up front, Russel commented: “With the Red Bulls in my mirrors, I was trying to get absolutely everything out of the car to keep them behind.”
Heating issues however affected Russell’s Mercedes throughout the race which led him to take it easy in the closing laps to ensure he reached the checkered flag, which he found “very difficult” and described those laps as “a real survival race when we knew we had the gap to manage.”
Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff meanwhile praised Russell for his race performance and ability to fight Verstappen hard after the Dutchman had spun.
Crediting Russell for his defensive racecraft, Wolff said: “George put up a spectacular defence to Max, the way he positioned the car was spot-on, the kind of racing we love to see and he managed the car well at the end to bring home another podium.”
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