George Russell ranted and raved on the Mercedes team radio before finally getting his way during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The British driver took umbrage with team-mate Kimi Antonelli holding him up during the latter stages of Sunday's race.
Pre-race championship leader Oscar Piastri was directly behind in sixth, with the situation forcing Russell to hold position rather than push on. The five-time race winner instead wanted to push Oliver Bearman.
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"We got a Ferrari (Charles LeClerc) and a Haas (Bearman) ahead, we can fight for the podium here," Russell said before adding, "I'm happy to give the position back to Kimi if I can't overtake Bearman.
"We're just compromising both our races. I've got much more pace here, guys." Russell then reiterated: "I'm trying to hold position. I've got much more pace than Kimi here. We can fight for a podium. I'm happy to give the position back if we don't achieve it.
After the team finally had Antonelli acquiesce on lap 42, Russell responded by saying: "Ohh, great." The Brit then moved over two seconds clear on the next lap as Antonelli tried to keep Piastri behind him.
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It did not quite go to plan, though. Antonelli and Piastri both pitted on lap 49, the latter putting on softs and getting out ahead of the Mercedes after a quick stop. Bearman and Russell were meanwhile lapping similar times before both pitted a lap later, with the rookie remaining in front.
That managed to make the Mercedes driver the fastest on track by lap 52, and just a second behind Bearman. Russell got within half a second, but that gap doubled again by lap 54, and two laps later, it was Piastri just under a second behind him.
That was reduced further to within seven-tenths by lap 59. Then a lap later, Russell briefly locked up, and the Australian made a lunge. With both drivers alongside each other, Piastri made the move stick and took fifth. Russell remained a man of his word, though, and two laps later, gave the place back to Antonelli.
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