George Russell Outshines Hamilton to Secure Mercedes’ First Grand Prix Podium of 2024 in Canada
George Russell delivered a standout performance for Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend, clinching third place and securing the team’s first Grand Prix podium of the season. Starting from pole position, Russell edged out teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth in a dramatic and rain-affected race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The Canadian race marked a significant turnaround for Mercedes, who had struggled to keep pace with frontrunners Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren this season. Equipped with newly designed front wings, the Silver Arrows demonstrated remarkable pace in dry conditions, surprising their rivals with a leap in performance.
Russell, showing impressive form, matched Max Verstappen’s lap time in qualifying but secured pole position by setting the time first, marking the second pole of his Formula 1 career. Hamilton, meanwhile, encountered difficulties and qualified seventh after failing to improve on his second run.
Sunday’s race was marred by a downpour, creating chaotic conditions that tested the drivers’ skill and composure. Russell, despite his strong start, made several costly errors during the 71 laps, which ultimately dashed his hopes of converting pole into a victory. Hamilton, battling through what he described as one of his worst performances, managed to climb from seventh to fourth. At one point, he briefly held third place before Russell reclaimed the position, ending Mercedes’ long wait for a Grand Prix podium.
Mercedes, in their celebration of Russell’s podium, initially overlooked Hamilton’s second-place finish in the Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix in April. Fans quickly pointed out the omission, prompting the team to correct their statement on social media. “This is our second trophy of the year, not our first as we mistakenly said,” Mercedes posted. “All Sprint and Grand Prix trophies matter to us. Thank you for holding us to account on this mistake.”
Hamilton, in his final season with Mercedes before his move to Ferrari in 2025, has found himself trailing Russell. The younger Brit now leads their qualifying battles 8-1 and holds a 7-2 edge in races, contributing to his 14-point advantage in the championship standings. Despite the struggles, Hamilton has called on Mercedes to address an issue with unexpectedly cold tyres that hampered his qualifying efforts in Montreal.
Three-time world champion Jackie Stewart has voiced concerns about Hamilton’s forthcoming switch to Ferrari, warning that it will be a “big undertaking.” He noted that the sport’s emerging young talents will be eager to challenge Hamilton, given his status as one of F1’s all-time greats.
As the season progresses, Mercedes’ resurgence in Canada offers a glimmer of hope. The team now turns its focus to building on this momentum and closing the gap to the front-runners, with Russell leading the charge in what promises to be a thrilling battle for supremacy.
