[ad_1]
By Reuters 
20h ago
MANAMA – George Russell was left with mixed feelings after losing an almost certain victory in Formula One on his Mercedes debut at Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix.
The 22-year-old, replacing Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion tested positive for Covid-19, looked right at home in his compatriot’s car as he snatched the lead from teammate Valtteri Bottas and scored a imposing pace.
But confusion at the pit stop pushed him back and a subsequent puncture destroyed his hopes forever.
“Obviously, on the one hand incredibly disappointed and gutted at missing a win, not just once but twice we missed it,” Russell, who finished ninth, told reporters on a Zoom call at the illuminated Bahrain International Circuit after the race.
“So a part of me is shattered, a part of me is very proud and privileged to have this opportunity.”
Mercedes-backed Russell, who is in his second season in Formula One, usually races for the German brand’s engine customer, Williams, where he has been placed to learn the ropes.
Grove’s team is last in the overall standings and Russell, who had not scored a Formula One point as of Sunday, didn’t expect to be able to review the team’s regular driver and four-year Mercedes veteran Valtteri Bottas.
But he seemed to easily have the Finn’s measure, including a bold move around the outside of the 31-year-old as he charged back to the front of the field after tire confusion had left him in fifth place.
He certainly left no one, not even himself, in doubt that he has what it takes to be a Formula One winner.
“From a personal perspective, this has been a great weekend of validation,” Russell said.
“I said if I’m within two tenths (of Bottas), I’ll be really satisfied with that.”
Russell is seen by Mercedes as a star of the future who hope that one day he can win races and championships for his official team.
They have denied seeing this weekend as a shootout between Russell and Bottas for a 2022 unit on the team.
But Russell hoped he gave team boss Toto Wolff a headache with his performance on Sunday.
“The best way to speak is on the right track,” he said.
Reuters
[ad_2]
