George Russell has no regrets about his lunge on Max Verstappen in Formula 1‘s United States Grand Prix Sprint Race, knowing it would be his “last chance” to pass.
Russell lined up fifth on the grid for the Sprint Race, with hopes of getting ahead of Nico Hulkenberg but tempering expectations of competing with the McLarens ahead.
However, in the first corner, Hulkenberg and Oscar Piastri made contact, who then tagged Lando Norris, taking all three out of the race and moving Russell up to second.
On Lap 8, the Mercedes driver saw an opportunity as Verstappen struggled for grip. Into Turn 12, the Brit lunged down the inside of the Red Bull, running both drivers wide.
Both avoided making contact, and Verstappen held his lead, which he maintained until the chequered flag as Russell’s challenge dwindled following his attempted move.
“Yeah, obviously just stayed out of trouble at Turn 1 and fought hard in those first laps after the Safety Car to try and get past Max,” Russell told media including Motorsport Week.
“Obviously had half a chance. I knew that would probably be my last chance. So yeah, sent it. Obviously, just couldn’t quite make the corner. But P2.”
Russell grateful McLaren clash handed him second
When looking back at the result, Russell admitted that had the two McLarens not collided on the opening lap, he probably would not have been in the top three.
“I think similar to what Max said. It was decent. It was OK. But if the McLarens were there, I think they’d have been probably ahead of us,” he conceded.
Asked to expand on his rationale behind the lunge on Verstappen, Russell cited that he knew tyre degradation issues would prevent him from getting close in the final stages.
“I saw Max was struggling a little bit, and I was just giving it absolutely everything,” he explained.
“I knew that I would probably deg a little bit more. Whereas when you’re in the lead, you’re probably trying to manage the tyres a bit better.
“He had a bit of a snap out of the previous corner. So I just thought, you know what, this is my only chance.
“There was a nice headwind in that corner. So I thought I could make it stick. But I was too far back.”
Russell didn’t regret the risky move, concluding: “I’m glad I tried it as opposed to just sitting there and still finishing in the same place.”
READ MORE – McLaren blasts ‘amateur driving’ that eliminated both drivers from F1 US GP Sprint
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