Russell insists he could've won the race without crucial mistakes
F1 News
George Russell insists he could've challenged Max Verstappen without making two key mistakes towards the end of the Canadian Grand Prix. On the medium tyres, Russell made progressed and reached the podium for the first time in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The British drivers engaged in a thrilling battle throughout the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, with Australia's Oscar Piastri also involved. In the end, Lando Norris and Russell ended up on the podium alongside race-winner Max Verstappen. But Russell made two key mistakes which lost him time.
How mistakes cost Russell
Russell described the situation as a "missed opportunity" in the interview after the Grand Prix. Russell lost control at the turn three/four chicane and lost time. He then tried to overtake Piastri at the final chicane but lost out. He reflected on those moments.
"Made a couple of mistakes out there by pushing the limits. We paid the price for it but nevertheless, first podium of the year. We had the pace, Max was very strong. We were fast on the mediums. The mistake with Oscar cost us at least P2, and maybe we could've fought with Max at the end of the race," Russell said.
"It was tight with Oscar. Hard, fair racing. Difficult when there's only one dry line," he continued. Russell was still positive despite believing a better result was possible. The Brit walks away from the weekend, proving Mercedes are making steps in the right direction. He secured pole position by matching Verstappen and then duelled with McLaren.