George Russell dreams of a first podium finish at the British GP, the place where he took his first steps in motor racing, but dreams big and wants to be on the top step for it
About to start the weekend of the British GP, George Russell set a bold goal for someone who drives for the third force of the F1 grid: the highest place on the podium. As hard as it is to imagine Mercedes in such conditions in a normal situation - since Red Bull and Ferrari have been dominating the championship so far - the Briton admitted the special flavor of racing at home.
"It would mean too much," Russell admitted to the Beyond the Grid podcast. "But I want my first podium at Silverstone to be in the top spot, so that's what I'm going for. Not that I'm going to hold on on the last lap if I'm second or third so I'm not on the podium, but Silverstone has a special place in my heart," explained the Briton.
The experience of winning at Silverstone, one of the first circuits that became part of the Englishman's life in his climb to F1, would also be Russell's first victory in the category. Although he has experienced the moment of victory in other disciplines, the Englishman's dream is really to triumph at home on the highest stage of motor racing.
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"It was there that I won my first race of all, it was there that I did my first race and won," recalled the Englishman. "It was also there that I did my first test in a Formula One car. And just being at home, that support is huge, so I can't wait to get there and give it everything I've got," he stressed.
Finally, Russell highlighted the atmosphere produced by the fans at Silverstone, who traditionally fill the circuit to follow Formula 1. The Briton even recalled the return of the public after the pandemic, and hopes for an "electric" atmosphere next weekend.
"I think it will be electric, to be honest," he said. "I remember last year, Silverstone was the first race with fans in Formula One after a year and a half without fans. And it was a 'slap in the face' how much support we had and how absurd it was to have our fans back," he added.