George Russell did not win the Sakhir Grand Prix as he deserved, and perhaps rightfully so “Disgusted” of the turn of the race. But he has nothing to be ashamed of, and he will have scored very, very big points for a future tenure at Mercedes.
Looking back, the Williams-Mercedes driver was more and more happy about this weekend like no other: because he is aware of having given Toto Wolff headaches in the future – more for 2022 than for 2021, as assured by the stable manager.
But George Russell does not budge: why not he wants a seat for 2021, without further delay!
“I’ve worked incredibly hard with Williams to extract all that is possible and we’ve felt so many times that we’ve done an incredibly good job. “
“I imagine there is always an element of uncertainty in the background. From a personal point of view it was a great validation weekend, to say to yourself “actually, we’ve probably done a really good job with the Williams this year”. “
“And secondly, I guess so from Toto’s point of view, I hope I gave him a headache.” Not just for 2022, maybe sooner. “
“Performance is the way you speak – on the track. It’s an entertainment industry and I hope this weekend solidified what they thought of me. “
“Mercedes has supported me since the end of 2016, they have followed my entire career very closely. Hope this is just one more step on the ladder. “
But George Russell would have liked to compete in his first Grand Prix at Mercedes under other conditions …
“That’s not how I wish I had my first chance, and it’s not good that it was blamed on someone else’s illness.” Obviously, I would like to have that chance next week. But the most important is health [de Hamilton]. »
“I think I can build on the momentum that has created and can deliver something decent next week, but we have to wait and see. “
The more the minutes go by, the more indeed George Russell realizes that he has scored big points in the minds this last weekend. He who set a goal to be at “two tenths” by Valtteri Bottas has achieved much more than that.
“Part of me is disgusted, part of me is proud. And at times it seemed too good to be true, this whole situation, to get that opportunity and to qualify second, almost on pole. “
“I have to leave with my head held high whatever the outcome. I could have been out of rhythm, missing a podium because of the pace – and I wouldn’t have been as satisfied as I am right now. “
“Because I know it was a well run weekend, and between me and my group of engineers on the performance side, we did everything we could. I know that with more and more races under my belt in this car, I will become stronger. “
“I’m going to wake up tomorrow, I’ll always be disappointed, but I’ll try to keep my head up. “
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