George Russell's Mercedes triumphs in Belgian GP in an incredible way. After a good start, the English rider was able to defend himself in the first part of the race, staying close to Piastri who was overtaking him. After the first stint, the turning point. Russell realizes that he has a good pace and that the hard tires he is on can last even longer than expected. He therefore decides not to return to the pits, thus crossing the finish line in first place.
The Belgian GP won by an extraordinary race reading by George Russell
Before the traffic lights at the Belgian GP turned green, we would have expected a completely different podium. The McLarens were the favourites, especially given the pace they had shown during Friday. Hot on their heels should have been Max Verstappen, who here at Spa in past years has always dominated despite starting from the back. Instead, everything was turned upside down. Not from the pouring rain, typical of the Belgian climate. Not from accidents, breakdowns or sudden punctures. Everything was turned upside down by George Russell and his courage in opting for a super aggressive strategy.
We are witnessing a completely different Formula 1 compared to that of recent seasons. It seems like we have returned to years like those of 2007 - 2008, or even better to the great year of 2012. In the race for a long time there were eight drivers in almost ten seconds. Among these also George Russell which, not being caged in the close struggle between Leclerc and Hamilton for first place, was thus able to choose a very different strategy. The great work done by the team from Friday to today was still decisive, but the big difference was made by the driver. Beyond the data, beyond the computers on the pit wall, Russell was able to read the race with the brilliance of a true champion.
George Russell was able to make the difference: “We weren't thinking about this strategy this morning”
In the race between car number 63 in parc fermé and the embrace with the team into which George Russell dives, there is every awareness of having done something great. The value of a driver is seen above all in these cases, that is when he manages to make the difference. The first, surprised by the result, is himself: "Fantastic! An exceptional result that we did not expect this morning in the strategic meeting. But the car felt fantastic. We made a lot of changes since Friday and the tires were excellent. That's why I kept saying to try to do just one stop." Russell then did not hold back in complimenting his teammate Hamilton, who was able to complete a great double. “We knew how to manage the whole race, but Lewis was also very good. In other conditions he would have won."
George Russell, despite being aware of having imposed himself with a choice that later proved to be successful, did not fail to underline how the team's work was fundamental. In fact, Friday had been disastrous for the German team, so much so that they were forced to give up the new surface brought to Spa. Saturday was a day tormented by rain, so Mercedes had to understand how the car reacted to the old configuration of the surface on this same circuit partly same during the race. “It was a team effort and we pulled the data and chose for this gamble. But the car was there, the pace was there and the one-two is an excellent result. After three wins in the last six races I honestly wish there was another one next weekend. But the summer break is the reward for the team who worked really hard."
