After touch and frantic race for the podium at the French GP, George Russell defended himself for touch in dispute with Sergio Pérez and criticized the Mexican for the movement at the time of contact
The French GP unfolded in a more positive way than Mercedes expected, and George Russell confirmed the previous day's prediction throughout the 53 laps at Paul Ricard: the German team is considerably superior in race pace than in qualifying. Not surprisingly, it managed to put its two drivers on the podium this Sunday (24) - and the Briton did not hide his happiness with the return to the top three, barely able to contain his smile while being interviewed.
Besides celebrating his third place, which adds 15 points for Mercedes in the Constructors' World Championship - in addition to Lewis Hamilton's 18 - Russell also commented on the battle with Sergio Pérez, who lost the third position when he 'dozed off' during the restart after the virtual safety-car and couldn't recover until the end - and that after he was involved in a touch with the #63 that caused him to leave the track.
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"It was a very long race, very tough," Russell said when interviewed by David Coulthard after the race. "The pace was strong, but we suffered a lot from the tire temperature at the restart and 'Checo' [Perez] was very much on top of me. But finally, I managed to see the checkered flag and secure third place," he said.
When the two cars touched, Russell tried an improbable maneuver on the inside, and Perez did not give him room. With the contact, the Mexican was hit and returned to the outside of the track, again ahead of the Briton. George considered that he followed the rules at the time of the crash, even though his car did not have its wheels in front of the RB18.
"I suffered when Sainz passed me at that one opportunity. And at that moment [in dispute with Pérez], I was on the inside - I think the rules are very clear," he said. "Because I had the wheel in front of him in the corner and he didn't leave me much space, but I'm happy to be able to bring home third place and a double podium," he finished.