Russell Promoted to P2 in Las Vegas as Steering Issue and Tyre Graining Derail Win Bid
He portrays Mercedes’ 2025 car as a steadier points scorer despite a painful race that faded after early promise.
Overview
- George Russell said a recurring steering fault resurfaced around lap five, echoing a problem he experienced in qualifying.
- At the start of his second stint he grained the front-right tyre as Max Verstappen exited the pits, and his pace then tailed off lap by lap.
- Russell finished third on track and 23 seconds behind Verstappen but was classified second after Lando Norris was disqualified.
- He described the race as physically painful and said that, beyond lap one, it was not enjoyable and P3 on the road was the maximum possible.
- Comparing 2025 with last season, Russell said Mercedes now has a more consistently competitive car over 24 races rather than the peaks and troughs seen in 2024.