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Russell on first Mercedes podium: "We got a little bit lucky"
- Rafael Diaz Lehmann
It was a great performance from George Russell at the Australian Grand Prix, getting a one-over on his teammate Lewis Hamilton to finish third on the podium, his first for the Silver Arrows.
In it to win it
Russell benefitted from a fortunate Safety Car which saw him jump Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton, and after the retirement of Max Verstappen, he found himself in the podium places. The Mercedes driver was soon passed by Perez for second, but he kept Hamilton behind him to sneak onto the podium for the first time in his Mercedes career.
"We have to be in it to win it and capitalise from others misfortune. We got a little bit lucky today, probably twice but we'll take it! There's so much hard work going on at base to get us back at the front, to be standing on the podium is special. We never give up, we keep on fighting." Russell spoke to Sky during the post-race interviews.
Still a way to go
Despite finding his way on the podium in Australia, Russell still emphasises that the team hav a ways to go before they can start challenging for out-and-out wins. "We were a long way behind our rivals this weekend but here we are on the podium. We have to keep this up whilst on the back foot. I think it will take time until we can fight these boys in blue and red but if anyone can, Mercedes can."