Wolff on Russell: 'He just wanted to taste the gravel'

George Russell made up a lot of ground in the Spanish Grand Prix. He started the race from 12th on the grid, but still managed to finish on the podium. Toto Wolff explains in a press briefing with GPblog and others how this came about.

Things did not quite go smoothly for the British driver. On the warm-up lap, the Mercedes driver drove through the gravel pit.

Wolff jokes and grouses

"I think he just wanted to taste the gravel in case he overtakes on the outside and gets stuck. And he found out you're not getting stuck. He had no performance of a car, no performance in qualifying, and then you can see where it all came together today. Very good," Wolff said.

"We never understand what's going on, and understanding drivers brains. I gave up many years ago on that. But if you would understand sometimes what makes the car fast and not fast it would be easier."