Max Verstappen wasn’t surprised at all by George Russell’s incredible performance after stepping in at Mercedes for the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Replacing Lewis Hamilton, who tested positive for Covid-19, the Briton qualified second, just 0.026s behind Valtteri Bottas on Saturday, but moved ahead of the Finn at the start and controlled the race in the lead.
Of course, as we know, a tyre mix-up at his second pit-stop and puncture later on ended Russell’s hopes of victory, but the impression had firmly been made.
“I always knew George would do a very good job because he’s a very talented driver, I’ve known that since we were kids. There is no surprise there,” Verstappen told Sky Sports on Thursday.
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“I felt sorry for him, of course, that he didn’t win the race because he did everything right from the start, but he will win his races anyway.
“I think in a few years he can laugh about that particular race so it’s all good. It also just shows it’s a very fast car.”
Hamilton too commented on Russell’s performance upon his return to the paddock in Abu Dhabi.
“I think George did an amazing job. I think everyone knows that,” the world champion simply said.
Of course, his comeback meant Russell returned to Williams for the last race of the race.
But with the emotion still clearly evident of that missed win a week ago, the 22-year-old was sent these words of wisdom.
“My advice that I gave George, that he didn’t ask me for, don’t let this eat you up, don’t let it be a negative energy,” ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle told Sky.
“Overall it was a fantastic weekend for the brand George Russell, for his career, for his own confidence.
“And I know from experience races that got away it can just keep gnawing away and it doesn’t do any good, you can’t change it, just keep his head down and believe in himself.
“Just remember that he might have locked a brake in qualifying, somebody might have run into the back of him in the first corner and taken him out of the race and he might never have been able to demonstrate that, so all-in-all he has to treat it as a brilliant experience.”