George Russell may have left last Sunday’s (23) Dutch Grand Prix with a podium and, at the same time, frustrated with a Mercedes decision. For Nico Rosberg, the Briton must have been “hurt” by being forced to give up the position to Kimi Antonelli, but the team made the right decision given the threat from the Ferraris.
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The situation happened after Esteban Ocon, from Haas, retired on lap 53 of 72, which triggered a virtual safety car. Mercedes called Antonelli to put on soft tires, allowing the 19-year-old championship leader to quickly catch Russell, who was second, behind Lando Norris.
With Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc close behind, Russell questioned the order to let Antonelli pass. The Briton believed Mercedes could lose the chance of a double podium and knew he would become vulnerable to the Ferraris.
Even so, Russell followed the order and gave up the position at turn 1 on lap 66. Afterwards, he managed to hold off Hamilton and finished third.
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“The expectation at the time was that George would really struggle with the pace, and the Ferraris would threaten not only his position but also Kimi’s position if Kimi got stuck behind George,” Rosberg said in an interview with Sky Sports F1. “So, it really risked both positions at the same time.”
“It’s a tough decision. It’s really a horrible decision to make. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. And for George, if I were in his place, that would hurt a lot. It would be a disaster.”
“But it’s even understandable, because I know the team rules very well. Everyone has to follow them,” said the 2016 world champion.
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