© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
George Russell says a lot of people came to him “saying ‘well done on P5’ not knowing that I made a big mistake that lost us P3”.
When it started raining during the Monaco Grand Prix, George Russell immediately switched to the Intermediate tyre, unlike his closest rivals, and this put him in a position to finish in P3.
However, the Briton then locked up under yellow flags and went into the escape road. He then collided with Sergio Perez while he was trying to rejoin the track, which earned him a five-second penalty and damaged his car.
Because of this he ultimately finished the race in P5.
“It was an exceptionally boring race until the rain came down,” George said after the race.
“It sort of came out of nowhere as it wasn’t really on the forecast. I’m really kicking myself because P3 was almost guaranteed after pitting.
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“There was a yellow flag, I backed off and as soon as I touched the brakes I locked up and followed [Lance] Stroll up the escape road.
“It’s probably a lesson that actually when you’re not on it and you’re not focused you make those mistakes.
“Probably if there wasn’t a yellow flag there I would be focused more and I wouldn’t have gone off. Cost the team a conformable P3.
“It’s very disappointing when you do everything right for 98 per cent [of the race] but that one tiny mistake cost everything”
“I don’t believe it was clear to many people that we were effectively P3 on track and lost it.
“A lot of people came to me saying ‘well done on P5’ not knowing that I made a big mistake that lost us P3,” Russell concluded.
