Russell explains clash with Hamilton: ‘It is the part of racing’

George Russell tried everything he could, but finished in seventh place in Japan. The Mercedes driver had an exciting battle with his teammate, Lewis Hamilton on track, and later tried to complete a one-stop at the Suzuka Circuit. The Briton explained it all following the race.

"We probably both lost two seconds in the fight at the beginning and then again we had two fights throughout that race," Russell explained his battles with Hamilton to Viaplay. "It’s part of racing, shouldn't be happening between teammates. I think he was struggling a lot more in the medium than I was, but anyway it's part of the game."

Russell also commented on his strategy to Sky Sports. "I mean when you're in the car it was 48 laps in, you're giving it everything, you're making a suboptimal strategy you try to work, that radio is a bit of a venting tool to release some frustration. Overtaking was difficult you saw Piastri with much fresher tyres, a much faster car this weekend, he didn't fly by, it took him two laps to achieve it and he only just achieved it so it's easy in hindsight but for me right now the goal is to secure P2 for the team in the Constructors’," Russell said.

Regarding his personal goals for the rest of the season, the Briton said: "On my personal side the Drivers' Championship is totally out the window, it's been a complete disaster of a season in that regard so many missed chances, Lewis is obviously in a really good position fighting for P3 so you know standing here now all good and we'll just keep on working."