[ad_1]
George Russell hailed an ‘amazing’ first ever Formula One podium finish despite the Belgian Grand Prix being curtailed by severe weather conditions. Heavy rain prevented any competitive racing at the Spa-Francorchamps track, with two laps with the safety car being eventually completed at 5.17pm UK time, after the race had been scheduled to start at 2pm.
But conditions were still deemed too dangerous and the red flag was soon flown, meaning the result was therefore decided from the order of qualfying.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was declared the winner ahead of Williams driver Russell, with Lewis Hamilton third.
Under F1 regulations, two completed laps is enough for half points to be awarded for a race and for Russell, the curtailed race didn’t taint his sense of achievement
He said: “It doesn’t matter [the race not finishing]. We don’t often get rewarded for great qualifying. We absolutely did today.
“First I want to say I’m so sorry to all the fans. Their support to stay here throughout was amazing. We were all in the same boat. It’s a shame we couldn’t get this race underway.”
JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton blasts F1 chiefs in scathing Belgian GP verdict
Russell, 23, produced one of the great qualifying displays on Saturday in an uncompetitive Williams car, only being denied pole by 0.321 seconds as Red Bull driver Verstappen produced a dramatic last-ditch lap.
And the British driver admitted his display even surprised himself.
“From our side and the team’s side, an amazing result,” he added.
“Little celebration tonight I’m sure! The whole team deserve it. So much hard work has gone into this over the last few years. There’s not really been anything to show for it.
“We absolutely nailed it yesterday and here we are standing on the podium. I can tell you I didn’t expect that this year, that’s for sure.”
Regardless, Russell clearly enjoyed the outcome today more than Hamilton did.
The 36-year-old, who was awarded 7.5 points compared to Russell’s 9.5 and Verstappen’s 12.5, saw his Championship lead cut to three points and afterwards was scathing about the decision to try and start the race.
Hamilton continued: “They knew, at the end, the track wasn’t any better and they just did it so they could do two laps and declare a race.
“I really hope the fans get their money back.”
[ad_2]
