Russell doesn't rule out beating Ferrari in Melbourne: 'Same as here'

While Mercedes AMG F1 is mostly busy making excuses for poor performance in the media, driver George Russell didn't even think it looked that bad in Saudi Arabia. The Briton briefly stood on the podium and made the most of the car and does not sound entirely dissatisfied.

Russell makes the most of Mercedes W14

It is Red Bull Racing that seems unchallengeable by anyone in 2023, but that does not mean there is no fighting to be done behind it. Perhaps during some races this season there is still something to be gained for Mercedes. Indeed, Russell showed that a podium can already be possible at this stage if everything goes right.

The Briton got the most out of the car both during qualifying and the race. For a while, Russell, who crossed the finish line in fourth place, was virtually on the podium. Fernando Alonso received a 10-second penalty, but it was later withdrawn. At the time of the press conference, Russell was still under the delusion that he had finished third in Saudi Arabia, but he showed himself to be a sporting opponent to Alonso.

Mercedes ahead of Ferrari again in Australia?

Russell: "I think it was very harsh what happened to Fernando in all honesty, I feel like some of these penalties have been a little bit too extreme, what we've seen this weekend for some drivers that we saw in Qualifying yesterday and for what happened to Fernando. But nevertheless, as I said before, I'm happy to pick up the silverware."

So Russell was dropped back to P4, but the race in Jeddah does show podium potential for Mercedes. Ferrari was beaten and only something needs to go wrong at Red Bull Racing or Aston Martin or the team can take advantage. Russell is hopeful for the next race in Australia: "I think it'll be a similar story in Melbourne. The tarmac is very similar in Melbourne compared to the circuit here: some fast and flowing corners. So, I'd say the order that we've seen this weekend, it'll be very similar."