George Russell revealed he dreamt of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris colliding which handed him an unlikely win at the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Verstappen was in control for a large part of the race, however a slow second pit stop allowed Norris to mount pressure on the reigning world champion in the final 20 laps, which culminated in both drivers barging into each other with seven laps left.
This allowed Russell, who was in third place for most of the race, to take command and claim his second career F1 win ahead of the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completing the podium.
Verstappen and Norris were hit with 10 and five seconds time penalties respectively, with the former crossing the chequered flag in fifth place while the latter retired his car in the pit lane.
“Incredible. It was a tough fight out there at the beginning of the race just to hold onto P3. I saw Max and Lando were going pretty hard and I knew Lando would want that win,” Russell said after the race.
“The team have done an amazing job to put us in this fight. You’ve got to be there to pick up the pieces and that’s where we were.
“They [Verstappen and Norris] were going for it. I couldn’t believe how close we were to Lando and Max. We were only about 12 seconds behind and I knew it [the collision] was a possibility. You are always dreaming.
“Just so proud to be back on the top step. We have made so many strides since the start of the season. The last few races have been incredible. More to come.”
Win no.2️⃣ in @F1 🩵 pic.twitter.com/nzw31aPxr5
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 30, 2024
Meanwhile, Russell’s teammate Lewis Hamilton, who was on the podium for the first time this year in Spain last week, finished in fourth place in Austria and described his race as “shocking”.
“Pretty shocking, but I’m really happy for the team,” the seven-time world champion said.
“Everyone in the factory has worked so hard to get a result like this so congratulations to the team and George, well deserved.
“Me, just been pretty shhh all weekend. It’s not been for a lack of trying but just generally slow. Just not acceptable.”
A solid points haul for the team the weekend 🆙
Lewis securing P4 despite car damage. Mega for the team! 👊 pic.twitter.com/V0QEsg2hjA
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 30, 2024
Hamilton and Russell will be hoping to make another big statement in the Mercedes when the F1 paddock heads to Silverstone this Sunday for the British Grand Prix.
