Russell rides out the W13’s rough edges
A difficult season for Mercedes perhaps, but George’s consistency bodes well for 2023
Imola, 4th: George Russell qualifies only 11th and finishes the sprint race in the same position. But in the main event he makes a good start on the damp track and ultimately brings the car safely home in fourth.
Barcelona, 3rd: Russell qualifies fourth, leads for a while, and briefly has some fun holding off the Red Bull drivers before they inevitably get by. Third place, well ahead of Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, is a decent reward.
Budapest, 3rd: Russell does an impressive job to take pole, pipping the Ferraris. In a tricky race he loses out to Max Verstappen and Hamilton, but logs more useful points with another podium.
Zandvoort, 2nd: From sixth on the grid Russell puts in a strong drive to second on Verstappen’s home ground, going for fresh tyres at a late safety car and passing Hamilton, who stayed out.
Interlagos, 1st: Russell’s coming of age. Not once, but twice. Not only did he win the Sprint race on Saturday, he then resisted Hamilton’s advances to take his maiden grand prix victory on Sunday. A class act.