Russell's performance in Mercedes comes as no surprise to Hulkenberg

The test days at the Bahrain circuit are in full swing. Still, it is only a few months ago that George Russell almost won on that same circuit. A failed pit stop and a puncture however ruined his chances. Nico Hulkenberg takes us back to that race.

At Motorsport-Total the former Formula 1 driver looks back on that race in Bahrain. "It wasn't easy conditions, but it was in Bahrain on a short circuit in a superior car", he starts. Russell got the chance to drive the Mercedes because Hamilton got infected with the coronavirus.

No surprises

In the race, Russell performed well. It even looked like he was going to take the win. But an unsuccessful pit stop and punctured tyre prevented him from doing so. In the end, the young driver had to settle for ninth position.

Still, Hulkenberg was not surprised that Russell performed so well in the Mercedes so soon. "Bahrain on the dry - he had the training and the preparation, it was all very well set up and controlled", he looks back.