15/06/2025 23:18
George Russell has revealed the main reasons behind Mercedes'
return to winning ways at the Canadian Grand Prix. The British
driver clinched victory under safety car conditions at the Circuit
Gilles Villeneuve following Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris' crash
with three laps to go. That afforded the 27-year-old relief from
the increasing pressure of Max Verstappen, who finished in second.
Kimi Antonelli, in the other Mercedes, finished third to claim a
maiden F1 podium in a strong result for the Brackley-based squad.
"It's amazing to be back on the top step," Russell said reflecting
on his fourth grand prix victory. "Obviously, last time for us was
back in Vegas. "I felt last year was a victory lost [in Canada],
and then obviously we got a victory today, probably due to the
incredible pole lap yesterday. "So happy to see Kimi on the podium
as well. So, amazing day for the team. Thanks to everybody back at
the factories, been working so hard to get us back fighting for
victories." When asked by Nico Rosberg, who was conducting the
on-track post-race interviews, if something fundamental had changed
on the W16 to set up his triumph in Montreal, Russell denied that
was the case, instead adding a second key factor in his victory -
after starting first. "No, it's a little bit cooler around here,"
he replied. "You know, we saw it last year in Canada. I'd love to
get our hopes up, but I think the strength of our car is in these
cooler conditions. "And let's see going into the coming races, but
we'll just enjoy it for now." When pushed as to whether he could
start a win streak at the Red Bull Ring, Russell highlighted how he
had won there 12 months ago. "Time will tell, time will tell," he
said. "I mean, we won Austria last year, so maybe that's a good
omen, but we'll enjoy it for the time being. "We did have high
expectations coming into this weekend, and it worked out as we
thought so yeah, good day."
