George Russell celebrated an “amazing” first ever podium in Formula 1, despite adverse weather conditions restricting the Belgian Grand Prix. Heavy rain prevented every competition race on the Spa-Francorchamps track, with ttwo laps, with the safety car finally ending at 5:17 p.m. UK time after the race was scheduled for 2:00 p.m..
But the conditions were still considered too dangerous and the red flag was soon hoisted, so that the result of the qualifying order was decided.
Red Bulls Max Verstappen was declared the winner ahead of Williams driver Russell, Lewis Hamilton was third.
According to the F1 regulations, two laps are enough to award half points for a race, and for Russell the shortened race did not detract from his sense of achievement
He said, “It doesn’t matter [the race not finishing]. We are not often rewarded for a great qualifying. We definitely made it today.
“First of all, I would like to say to all the fans that I am so sorry. Your support for staying here was great. We were all in the same boat. It is a shame we couldn’t start this race.”
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Russell, 23, delivered one of the great qualifying performances in an uncompetitive Williams car on Saturday, losing pole just 0.321 seconds while Red Bull driver Verstappen drove a dramatic final lap.
And the British driver admitted that his portrayal was even surprised himself.
“A great result from us and the team,” he added.
“Small party tonight, I’m sure! The whole team deserves it. So much hard work has been put in over the past few years. There wasn’t really anything for it.
“We absolutely did it yesterday and are on the podium here. I can tell you that I didn’t expect that this year, that’s for sure.”
Regardless, Russell clearly enjoyed the result more than Hamilton today.
The 36-year-old, who received 7.5 points compared to Russell’s 9.5 and Verstappen’s 12.5, saw his lead in the championship reduced to three points and was then devastating about the decision to start the race.
Hamilton continued, “They knew the track wasn’t going to be better in the end and they just did it to do two laps and explain a race.
“I really hope the fans get their money back.”
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