George Russell: « I knew from that moment that the race was lost
George Russell finished his race abruptly at the British Grand Prix, with problems on the water system of his single-seater, the British driver was already certain he would not finish the race.
The British Grand Prix was particularly tough for George Russell. Starting in pole position, the British driver was forced to retire due to a problem with the water system of his Mercedes, turning a promising race into a huge disappointment.
The driver entered the pits on the team’s orders on the 34th lap of the race, giving up his first place to Lando Norris.
An evident frustration
George Russell spoke to the media after the race, sharing his frustrations about what he described as a real blow. He was certain he had a car capable of winning a Grand Prix, but he was disappointed to ultimately have to watch the end of the race from the garage.
The British Grand Prix seemed within George Russell’s reach as he started in pole position. He had all the chances to secure a victory for his home race. However, on the 34th lap, he was ordered to bring his car back to the garage due to a suspected issue with the water system while he was in fourth place.
Russell still congratulated the team for the progress on the cars. “We had the car, in normal dry conditions, to achieve a double,” admitted the driver. “We are clearly back, and I think we will fight for victories more often now.” Starting from pole position was not easy for Russell. As he could explain, starting first is always a risk, especially at the start. “It was difficult, but I was not perturbed,” he had pointed out. A position he managed to keep, but that he ultimately had to relinquish to the McLarens.
George Russell knew he was going to retire.
George Russell told the media that he began to notice worrying issues well before the team asked him to retire the car. He was convinced he wouldn’t finish the race. “Ten laps before the breakdown, I knew I had issues,” he shared. “I was losing power. And then, yes, water system failure. No water for the engine.”
The incident occurred when the two Mercedes drivers made a double pit stop to switch to intermediate tires. Russell, being the second during this period, saw Max Verstappen slip between the two Mercedes. « As soon as I came back out, I was losing power,” Russell admitted. « I knew from that moment that the race was lost.”
Despite the evident frustration, Russell remains positive about his team’s progress. “Inside myself and inside the car, I feel good,” he added. “But obviously, it’s a real blow to withdraw from any race, let alone his home Grand Prix, when we had the car to win.”
The good news for Russell is that the Mercedes team has made significant improvements throughout 2024, putting the team in a much better position to fight for victories at the upcoming July Grand Prix. Mercedes can still take comfort in Lewis Hamilton’s victory at home, a success that earns him 25 points, almost allowing him to overtake Russell in the championship.