Mercedes driver, George Russell, is ready to “fight for a world championship” after winning from pole position at the Canadian GP.
After Sunday’s win from pole, Russell was “pleased with the job” compared to last year’s Canadian GP. The Briton was not able to convert his pole position to a win in mixed weather conditions.
However, during the dry race, Russell was able to hold off Verstappen to give a win for the Brackley based team. The 27-year-old was able to celebrate his win with a double Mercedes podium, with Kimi Antonelli finishing in third.
Russell told the media in the Canadian GP Post-Race Press Conference, “Yeah, it’s been great to get the win and, you know, seeing Kimi up here as well on the podium. Really, really pleased for him. And, you know, as a team, we’ve been performing so well this year.”
“Up until the last triple header, we’d maximized every single race weekend, whether, you know, that was the P2 in Bahrain or the other podiums we had. But coming into Canada, we knew we did have the potential to fight for pole and for the race win, and, ultimately, it came down to that [qualifying] lap yesterday. There was obviously not much movement in terms of positions shuffling around but really pleased with the job.”
Race for tyre management
It was no secret that Russell’s W16 suited cooler tracks like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. However, with sunny conditions at the Canadian GP, Russell “expected a bit more tyre overheating”. But, the Briton noted the tyres weren’t under “much stress”.
“I was, to be honest. There wasn’t much tyre overheating even though it was hot. It’s a very smooth tarmac here in Canada. There are quite low speed corners, so the tyres aren’t under much stress. I think we expected a bit more tyre overheating considering the track temperature, but we’re under no illusions that this really suited the strengths of our car the same way as it did last year. But for the majority of the circuits, we know it’s a bit of a challenge, and that’s why this is the first weekend both of us are on the podium. But it’s great to see that when we get that chance, we take it.”
Leaving Spain behind
The Briton knew that he had to leave on track drama from Spain in Spain. Russell ignored the past to get a good start to complete his lights-to-finish win at the Canadian GP.
“No. Not really. To be honest, for the last couple of weeks, obviously, there’s lots of noise going on, after what happened in Spain as well. But from my side, you put it to one side, and you know that if you make a good start, you get into a groove. I knew I had potentially the fastest car today, you’ve got to dial into that and put all of the additional noise to one side.”
The Canadian GP was mostly a game of strategy and tire management. However, Russell knew he had the car and strategy to bring the win to Mercedes.
“And, of course, it was a bit challenging at points when you had Charles and Lando on the offset strategy, and they were kind of getting in our way. But as soon as I had clear air, I could comfortably pull the gap out. It wasn’t dead easy, but I felt confident in myself and the car. I was keeping a close eye on how Kimi was getting on, and on the TVs, and seeing Lando and Oscar closing down. But, no, it was a good day, and I feel proud of myself, feel proud of the team, especially after this time 12 months ago when it was a victory lost.”
Driver market questions
The Mercedes driver’s contract ends at the Brackley based team at the end of this year. However, Russell knows he will “be on the grid next year”.
“It doesn’t hurt! It doesn’t hurt at all. But, you know, as I’ve said many times, I’m not concerned at all about next year. I know I’m going to be on the grid next year. I feel that I’m driving better than ever.”
After today’s win, Russell is “ready to fight for a world championship” but knows he has to take it “week by week” for the rest of the season.
“I still feel I’ve got more in the tank. I feel ready to fight for a world championship, and I think results like today, results like Bahrain this year when we got half a chance of a good result, we’re there to take it. And I’m pretty relaxed. Just enjoying the moment, enjoying my racing, and just taking it week by week.”
