Russell predicts ‘tight year’ amid Antonelli’s first win as he reflects on ‘intense’ Chinese Grand Prix

George Russell is expecting a “tight year” ahead following his team mate Kimi Antonelli’s debut victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, with the Briton left to reflect on an “intense” day in which he claimed second place.

While the Ferrari pair of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc again had the advantage over the Silver Arrows duo off the line, polesitter Antonelli later returned to the lead while Russell ultimately climbed back up to second.

Things were not necessarily straightforward for the championship leader, however, having found himself behind the Ferraris at the restart following a Safety Car, which had been deployed due to Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin stopping out on track.

After biding his time while the Scuderia pair battled ahead, Russell eventually overtook and stretched out a gap to take P2 just over five seconds behind Antonelli.

Having branded the 1-2 result as “all we could ask for”, the British racer went on to sum up his Sunday as “an intense day”.

“Obviously the race start, Ferrari got the upper hand of us; Safety Car restart, they got the upper hand on us, and unfortunately that hindered my chances of going for victory,” Russell explained.

“Kimi did a great job so really well done to him, but Ferrari once again… Three races down, three races they’ve made our life pretty awkward in those opening laps. At least I’m glad it provided some good entertainment for you.”

Russell also shared his congratulations for Antonelli, who claimed his first-ever win in Formula 1, saying that the youngster has “been driving really amazing this year and this weekend especially, so I’m pleased to be standing on the podium with him”.

The 28-year-old later reflected further on what the accolade would mean to Antonelli, as well as giving his take on how the Mercedes team now move forwards to the next race of the season in Japan.

“It’s a day you remember forever, so a very special moment,” said Russell. “It brings back some memories, but it was only a matter of time for him.

“He’s an incredible driver, he’s got a huge amount of talent, and I’m sure it’s going to be a tight year.”