Russell surprised with P3: "Cars are going through a torrid time"

Mercedes might not have the quickest car this season, but they are picking up the pieces when things go wrong ahead of them. Once again, George Russell was there to clinch a podium and keep his 100% record in the top five this season when Ferrari recorded a double DNF. 

More bouncing

Russell secured his third podium of the 2022 season, though the Mercedes cars were once again struggling with porpoising in the streets of Baku. Russell's teammate Lewis Hamilton finished in fourth but reported his discomfort on the team radio with the bouncing. 

"You have to be there to pick up the pieces. Thanks to the guys at the factory to get the car to the end, the cars are going through a torrid time with the bouncing so pleased to bring it home in P3," Russell said in the post-race interviews. 

With Charles Leclerc's retirement, Russell is now within touching distance of the Ferrari driver in the World Championship. The British driver was already ahead of Carlos Sainz going into this weekend and now stretches his advantage over the Spaniard.