F1 | Belgian GP | George Russell on ‘’quite strange feeling’’ as he secures first F1 podium
The 23-year-old British driver earned his maiden F1 rostrum appearance in a very different way at Spa.
It might have come in an extremely unusual fashion, but the 29th of August 2021 is a day George Russell will never forget for the rest of his life.
After qualifying a magnificent P2 in tricky conditions on Saturday afternoon, the 23-year-old was rewarded handsomely for that as no proper racing laps were completed on Sunday.
On his 50th start in Formula One, he secured his first podium. It’s the first rostrum appearance for Williams since Azerbaijan 2017, and their 313th overall.
Russell reflected on his Williams journey as he happily took the podium in such a bizarre way.
''Of course, we’ll take it no matter what,'' he said to Sky Sports F1.
''I think we’ve also got to remember that it was only the last race where we scored our first points together in Williams in our third season and here we are standing on the podium at the Belgian Grand Prix. If you told me that at the start of the year, I’d have said ‘no way’.
''Obviously if the race went ahead today, it would have been incredibly difficult to hold our position. Our strategist had us down as the 17th fastest car on the grid, so to try and fight for podiums being the 17th fastest car on the grid would have been very very difficult but you’ve got to take it as it comes.
''The hard work was done yesterday and so fantastic to get some reward for that.''
Russell admitted that scoring his first podium in F1 in such strange circumstances was a strange feeling.
''I have to admit it is quite a strange feeling because earning this podium without really doing any racing laps,'' he said.
''I don’t think I’ve ever had this in my whole career, let alone for a Formula One.
''I’m not quite as elated as I ordinarily would be, but going back to the garage, celebrating with the guys, trophy in hand, champagne in the other hand... I’m sure we’ll all remember this for a long long time.''
YES GUYS!!! THAT’S A PODIUM!!!
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) August 29, 2021
Doesn’t matter how it comes, they all count and the team deserves this so much. Get in there @WilliamsRacing!!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0YG47piJug
What a weekend! It’s no secret that we’ve had some tough times in recent years, but not one member of this team has ever stopped pushing. You all belong up on that podium, @WilliamsRacing. It was a privilege to represent you up there today. 💙 pic.twitter.com/9hLpCUaanF
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) August 29, 2021
"I'll remember this for a long time to come" 🙌 @GeorgeRussell63 pic.twitter.com/Il1iiyH7ig
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 29, 2021
To the team trackside and all those back home - this one is for YOU 💙 pic.twitter.com/3Ui38n7mWv
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 29, 2021
