Although there was a lot of talk beforehand about possible rain showers during the Spanish Grand Prix, it ultimately remained dry above the circuit all afternoon. But not according to George Russell. During the race, the Brit from Mercedes reported via his on-board radio that he felt raindrops. To the surprise of the TV viewers who did not see a speck on the lens.
A few laps later, Russell himself backtracked. “Are there other drivers who talk about the rain? Or was it just some sweat on the inside of my helmet?” The team management’s answer was clear: ,,It seems that only you are talking about rain, George. I suspect it is indeed sweat.”
Russell’s strenuous efforts paid off. He finished third and took his first podium of the Formula 1 season. His teammate Lewis Hamilton was second, the win went to an unapproachable Max Verstappen.
Risky move
Mercedes is now second in the World Cup standings for constructors, but team boss Toto Wolff calls for realisticity.
Wolff thanked Mercedes engineers for the improvements to the car after a bad start to the season. “We have made decisions to go in a different direction. We have changed many parts, many of which we still do not understand. It was a risky move. But we are still not where we want to be.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton also notices the progress in his Mercedes. “The car felt fantastic. The factory can be proud of the great work that has enabled us to take this step this weekend. Still, I think we need to be more focused on next year, so that we can make it difficult for Red Bull right away.”
Nothing is yet known about a new season of the 38-year-old Briton at Mercedes. Negotiations about his expiring contract are still ongoing. ,,I haven’t signed anything yet, but I believe I will sit down with Toto again tomorrow. I hope we can finish it then,” said Hamilton.
Result, position and program
watch here Grand Prix results from this year, the position in the general classification and the program for the rest of the season.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.