George Russell gave his version of events after a fierce battle with Sergio Perez for the final step on the podium at the French GP.

The Mercedes driver followed Perez for much of the race, but his biggest opportunity to pass came after the virtual safety car for the removal of Zhou Guanyu's car.

When the green flag was shown, Russell caught Perez by surprise and overtook after reaccelerating faster than the Mexican.

The two stayed close for the remaining laps, but Russell withstood the pressure from Perez and secured third place.

"I'm absolutely sweating right now. It was a long, hard race," Russell commented. "The pace was strong, we really struggled in that restart and Checo pushed me hard, but I was happy to see the checkered flag."

Before his decisive maneuver, Russell had tried to pass Perez at turn 8. The Briton put in on the inside and Perez tried to take his space before cutting the chicane when Russell went too fast into the corner and used the full lane.

The stewards deemed it a racing incident and took no action, but Russell stated over the radio that Perez had to give up the position.

When asked about that attempt at the chicane, Russell suggested that the rules indicate that a punishment would be necessary.

"I saw that he (Perez) was struggling when (Carlos) Sainz passed him on that occasion. I was on the inside and the rules are quite clear; it's front wheel to rear wheel when you're on the inside."

"That's what I had and he really didn't leave me much room, but I kept going anyway, came third and it was a double podium for Mercedes. It's great."