F1 | Russell on the podium in Las Vegas: the Brit explains the challenges faced in the race
The Las Vegas Grand Prix concluded with a win for Max Verstappen, Lando Norris in second, and George Russell on the lowest step of the podium. After his victory on the Las Vegas streets in 2024, George Russell returned to Nevada to claim a podium finish. The British driver found himself in second place during the early stages of the race but faced two issues that prevented him from holding off Lando Norris.
Russell had qualified in fourth, behind Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz. At the start, the McLaren driver focused on defending against Max Verstappen. However, entering Turn 1, Norris ran wide, losing his position first to the Red Bull and in the subsequent corners also to George Russell.
Despite this, the Mercedes driver could not maintain second place until the end of the race. After the checkered flag, George Russell explained the difficulties he faced during the Grand Prix. He mentioned a steering issue, but that was not the only factor. Strategy also played a key role. Lando Norris reclaimed second place immediately after Russell’s pit stop.
“There was also the tire aspect. They managed to overtake me when I came out of the pits. The tires were cold, then I pushed hard, and pushing so much meant it wasn’t certain the tires could last until the end. I also said this on the radio, it was very difficult to manage,” Russell explained.
Confirming the strategic challenges, Toto Wolff spoke to Russell over the radio during the cooldown lap, apologizing to the British driver for the decisions made during the race.
Third still represents a strong haul of points in the constructors’ fight, but George Russell and Mercedes will leave Las Vegas knowing a cleaner weekend could easily have delivered more silverware under the famous Strip lights.
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