George Russell rejoices in maiden podium spot after Belgian Grand Prix washout
Monday, 30 August 2021
The one-lap speed on Saturday proved crucial in Spa.
George Russell rejoiced in achieving a maiden Formula 1® podium finish, even if the circumstances of his second place at the Belgian Grand Prix were a little unorthodox.
The race was called off at a rain-soaked Spa after just two laps behind a safety car, with pole-sitter Max Verstappen declared the winner as British duo Russell and Lewis Hamilton completed the top three.
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Heavy rain had delayed the start by over three hours as Sergio Perez had crashed while making his way out onto the grid.
The conditions ultimately made competitive racing impossible, but a two-lap procession was enough to declare a result, with half points awarded.
Williams driver Russell, who performed wonders to qualify second on the grid, felt it was a suitable reward.
"We don't often get rewarded for great qualifyings, but we absolutely did today," said the 23-year-old.
"It was a shame we did not get the race underway but, from my side, and the team's side it's an amazing result.
"The whole team deserve it because there has been so much hard work going into work over the last few years and there has been nothing to show for it, but we absolutely nailed it yesterday."
YES GUYS!!! THAT’S A PODIUM!!!
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) August 29, 2021
Doesn’t matter how it comes, they all count and the team deserves this so much. Get in there @WilliamsRacing!!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0YG47piJug
Red Bull's Verstappen is now just three points behind defending champion Hamilton and he reflected on a crucial performance in Saturday's qualifying, which also took place on a sodden track.
He said: "Now, in hindsight, it was very important to get that pole position. It's a shame to not get proper laps, but the conditions were very tricky.
"At 3.30 pm the conditions were decent but the visibility was very low. I think if we'd started at 3 pm we would have had a decent chance.
"Big credit to the fans for staying here all day."
Hamilton added: "You couldn't see even five metres in front of you on the straight. You couldn't even see the flashing light in front of you."
