George Russell delivered a stunning recovery at the 2025 F1 Miami GP, converting a challenging weekend into a podium finish with bold strategy and perfect execution from Mercedes.
Mercedes’ “bold strategy” paid off in Miami
Despite qualifying P5 for both the Sprint and GP races, Russell struggled to feel at one with the W16 throughout the event. Improvements made to the car did little to resolve the issues, leaving the Briton unsettled heading into race day. However, Mercedes’ strategic gamble around the race’s Virtual Safety Cars proved decisive.
When asked post-race whether a top-three finish ever seemed likely, Russell responded:
“I thought there was an opportunity because we were going to be bold with the strategy. It’s not often you see a driver in the top five start on a hard tyre.”
He added: “Obviously we were slightly fortuitous with the [virtual] safety car, but that’s how the game plays out. And that’s the risk you take. Nevertheless, when Kimi pitted, when Max pitted, I found three or four-tenths of pace and I was in a really great place.”
A perfect pit stop paid off for Russell
Mercedes executed a perfectly timed pit stop under the VSC, releasing Russell just ahead of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. That move proved crucial, as he was able to defend his position from Verstappen and Williams’ Alexander Albon in the closing stages, while the McLaren duo pulled away with a 37-second lead.
Russell, clearly emotional after a turbulent weekend, reflected:
“I’m really proud of the result because this weekend I’ve been in a bad place, I’ve not been happy. I’ve not been enjoying driving this weekend, but we made it count when it mattered.”
YESSS GEORGE!!! A PODIUM IN MIAMI 👊 pic.twitter.com/6cpXdEbmjF
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 4, 2025
Russell added: “I’m really happy to come away with P3 because I’ve been struggling this weekend personally, always on the back foot”
