Russell: Spanish GP "a survival race" for Mercedes F1 due to overheating
Mercedes Formula 1's George Russell said the Spanish Grand Prix was “a survival race”, in which both Mercedes cars were “hurt a lot” by overheating issues.
Russell benefited from the retirement of early leader Charles Leclerc to run in third place in the closing stages with team-mate Lewis Hamilton behind him when the pair both suffered a water leak, which allowed Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to pass the seven-time world champion on the penultimate lap.
The issue also pushed Russell onto the defensive, but he held off the Spaniard to take the third podium spot, his second of the season after Australia, albeit 20 seconds behind Sergio Perez in second.
Like Russell, Hamilton was told to lift and coast over the radio amid growing concern over the potentially race-ending issue, and managed to finish fifth - despite dropping to the tail of the field after clashing with Kevin Magnussen's Haas and picking up a puncture on the opening tour.
Russell said of the closing stages: “Yeah, it was very difficult in the last few laps. It was a survival race when we knew we had a gap.”
He said overheating issues “hurt us a lot to be honest”, adding: “When I had the Red Bull in my mirrors, all I was doing was my maximum to keep him behind and it was an enjoyable, good couple of laps.
"Just pleased to be able to bring home P3, a lot of points on the board for us."
George Russell, Mercedes W13, makes a stop
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Despite the strong result, the team still sits third in the constructors’ championship, 75 points adrift of leaders Red Bull and 49 behind second-placed Ferrari.
Both drivers felt the team had made a big step forward to solve its porpoising problems thanks to the updates brought to Barcelona.
But Russell was reluctant to say the team had returned to its usual form, adding that the race was “very tough”.
He said: “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. And so proud to be standing here.
“We've had to work so hard, so this is for everyone back at Brackley and Brixworth. So thank you.”
Related video
Perez calls for Red Bull discussions over Spanish GP team orders
McLaren: Norris battled tonsillitis during Spanish F1 GP weekend
The self-critical Alpine F1 junior who considers top F2 rookie status as “average”
The self-critical Alpine F1 junior who considers top F2 rookie status as “average” The self-critical Alpine F1 junior who considers top F2 rookie status as “average”
Pedrosa "doesn't miss racing very much" despite starring Misano MotoGP wildcard
Pedrosa "doesn't miss racing very much" despite starring Misano MotoGP wildcard Pedrosa "doesn't miss racing very much" despite starring Misano MotoGP wildcard
Ranking the 10 best drivers from F1's junior series in 2022
Ranking the 10 best drivers from F1's junior series in 2022 Ranking the 10 best drivers from F1's junior series in 2022
F1 drivers question tyre blanket ban sustainability claims
F1 drivers question tyre blanket ban sustainability claims F1 drivers question tyre blanket ban sustainability claims
Russell says "strange" Suzuka surface causing massive F1 tyre degradation
Russell says "strange" Suzuka surface causing massive F1 tyre degradation Russell says "strange" Suzuka surface causing massive F1 tyre degradation
The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake
The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake
Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka
Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka
Hamilton suggests using AI to improve F1 steward calls after Verstappen mistake
Hamilton suggests using AI to improve F1 steward calls after Verstappen mistake Hamilton suggests using AI to improve F1 steward calls after Verstappen mistake
Why the painful process of Mercedes’ F1 B-spec shift isn’t over yet
Why the painful process of Mercedes’ F1 B-spec shift isn’t over yet Why the painful process of Mercedes’ F1 B-spec shift isn’t over yet
Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka
Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka
BTCC Silverstone: Rookie Doble takes shock pole
BTCC Silverstone: Rookie Doble takes shock pole BTCC Silverstone: Rookie Doble takes shock pole
Are Red Bull and Ferrari on back foot for potential F1 Japanese GP tyre wrecker?
Are Red Bull and Ferrari on back foot for potential F1 Japanese GP tyre wrecker? Are Red Bull and Ferrari on back foot for potential F1 Japanese GP tyre wrecker?
Marquez will take Honda's interests into account while finalising MotoGP future
Marquez will take Honda's interests into account while finalising MotoGP future Marquez will take Honda's interests into account while finalising MotoGP future
How Tsunoda has eliminated a crucial F1 limitation
How Tsunoda has eliminated a crucial F1 limitation How Tsunoda has eliminated a crucial F1 limitation
How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again
How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again
Why precedent doesn’t favour Massa’s F1 legal challenge
Why precedent doesn’t favour Massa’s F1 legal challenge Why precedent doesn’t favour Massa’s F1 legal challenge
Why Sainz’s Singapore F1 success was not just about DRS genius
Why Sainz’s Singapore F1 success was not just about DRS genius Why Sainz’s Singapore F1 success was not just about DRS genius
The signs that suggest an immediate Red Bull resurgence in F1's Japanese GP
The signs that suggest an immediate Red Bull resurgence in F1's Japanese GP The signs that suggest an immediate Red Bull resurgence in F1's Japanese GP
The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake
The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake
Singapore Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Singapore Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Singapore Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
The Singapore secrets that helped Sainz end Verstappen's F1 winning streak
The Singapore secrets that helped Sainz end Verstappen's F1 winning streak The Singapore secrets that helped Sainz end Verstappen's F1 winning streak
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.