George Russell on the podium at the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: RacePictures

British press rave about Russell’s standout weekend in Singapore

08:07, 06 Oct

byTobia Elia

British media highlighted George Russell’s outstanding performance over the Singapore weekend, which culminated in a dominant race victory.

BBC

The BBC notes Russell’s victory was never in doubt once he held the lead through Turn 1, also stressing that after such a performance, Mercedes can no longer delay going public about his contract renewal.

“Once Russell kept the lead at the first corner, it meant Verstappen lacked the pace to challenge him. And he held back Norris' McLaren, which looked to have the pace to challenge Russell, for the rest of the race.

Russell is out of contract at the end of this season and his future at Mercedes next year was in some doubt earlier in the season as team principal Toto Wolff pursued Verstappen.

But after Verstappen committed to Red Bull in the wake of the sacking of former team principal Christian Horner, Wolff and Russell have consistently said it was only a matter of time before he signed a new deal.”

russell-singapore-qualifying-mercedes-jpg

George Russell in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

The Telegraph

The Telegraph also points out that the Briton’s victory was never in doubt, highlighting how he managed to redeem himself after the costly mistake he made at the same circuit two years ago.

“Russell, who had made an excellent start from pole, was never put under serious pressure by second-placed Verstappen, winning by 5.4 seconds at a circuit where he famously suffered a last-lap crash two years ago — and nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion last year.”

The Guardian

The Guardian also highlights Russell’s superb weekend, following his equally impressive second place in Baku — achieved despite not being in top physical condition.

“Running a race of his own — serene and victorious for Mercedes — Russell deserves special praise for thriving despite being struck by a virus a fortnight ago in Azerbaijan, where he still managed to finish second in a show of pure resilience.

The hardest part of his weekend’s work came on Saturday, when he secured pole position. Eleven of the 16 previous winners in Singapore had started from the front. It was, in truth, a processional Grand Prix, with the Englishman calmly detached from the sparks flying behind him.”

McLaren’s war dominates international media headlines

While the British media praised Russell’s performance over the Singapore weekend, international outlets focused heavily on McLaren’s internal dispute, with Oscar Piastri visibly frustrated with the team after being clipped by his teammate at the start and losing the chance to fight for a podium.

The papaya squad clinched their second consecutive Constructors’ title under the lights of Marina Bay, but they now face a real headache to manage within the team.

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