Mercedes needs to find more speed to challenge McLaren in normal conditions, says Russell

Having taken third at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, George Russell praised Mercedes for doing a great job with the strategy, but he thinks that the Brackley-based squad will need to find more speed if it wants to challenge the field-leading McLaren in normal conditions.

George Russell was unable to challenge McLaren and Red Bull's Max Verstappen in qualifying, and he started fourth on the grid. The King Lynn-born driver ran fourth for much of the day, but he appeared to be unable to keep up with the pace of the front runners.

When the late rain arrived, Russell made the right calls, and he also inherited third when McLaren's Oscar Piastri went off in the closing stages of the race to grab a well earned podium.

"That was not an easy race for anyone, so I’m pleased to bring it home in P3, taking our first podium finish of the new season. Keeping it on the road was a challenge at times, particularly in the changeable conditions.

"There were moments when the rain became slightly heavier whilst running on worn Intermediates, and then near the end the downpour arrived when we were on slicks.

Russell continued: "The team did a great job operationally today and we definitely maximised the result. The pace of the car was enough for us to fight for the podium, but we know we’ve got to find more speed if we want to challenge McLaren in normal conditions.

"Kimi did an amazing job for his first race. To come through from P16 to P4 at any time is impressive. To do it on his Grand Prix debut is therefore fantastic.

"He deserved that result after yesterday where he was unlucky to suffer floor damage in Qualifying. It’s a positive start to the season for the whole team and we’re excited to move on to Shanghai and see what we can do at next weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix," concluded the British driver.