© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
After getting P3 and helping Mercedes secure P2 in the championship, George Russell says the achievement “means a huge amount”.
After finishing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in P3, and helping Mercedes finish second in the Constructors’ Championship, George Russell said the achievement means a lot.
“It means a huge amount,” the Briton said.
“There are so many people back at the factory, Brackley, Brixworth, who have worked so hard to achieve this.
“It has been a really challenging season. I have let the side down a couple of times this year so pleased to bring it across the line.”
In the closing moments on the race, Charles Leclerc decided to let Sergio Perez, who had a five-second penalty, get ahead of him in hopes that the Mexican can create a five-second gap between himself and Russell, and therefore push Russell to P4.
Had this succeeded, Ferrari would have overtaken Mercedes in the championship. It did not work, but George praised Charles for not intentionally backing him up.
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“It was tight with Checo [Perez] at the end and I thought Charles [Leclerc] was going to back me up, but respect to him for keeping it clean. Woah, I can chill out now!
“I came out of the pits on the second set of hards, managing a bit, and Checo came from nowhere. I don’t know what happened, there, they had great pace, it was really tense at the end.
“The tyres were dropping off but really pleased to have secured P2 for the team. I’m sure the team will have a few drinks tonight.”
After qualifying on Saturday, George revealed he has been battling an illness for two weeks. After the race, he said it was still bothering him in the car.
“I was probably coughing four times a lap, so it was pretty miserable out there which probably didn’t help things.
“But a massive relief to have brought the car home P3,” the Briton concluded.
