In a thrilling turn of events at the F1 Hungarian GP, George Russell powered the Mercedes team to a much-needed podium, finishing third behind the two McLaren’s
The result marked a critical moment for the Brackley-based outfit as they head into the Formula 1 summer break, offering a glimmer of hope after a challenging European leg of the 2025 season.
The Mercedes drivers had faced a frustrating dip in performance since their standout weekend in Canada, where Russell clinched victory and rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured his first podium.
A new rear suspension introduced at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola had disrupted their early-season momentum, leaving both drivers struggling to match their initial success. Russell, who had celebrated four podiums in the first six races, and Antonelli, who had scored points in five of those opening rounds, found themselves grappling with a less competitive car.
Determined to reverse their fortunes, the Mercedes team made a bold decision to revert to their older rear suspension setup for the Hungaroring.
The move paid dividends for Russell, who capitalized on cooler track conditions and a strong qualifying performance to secure fourth on the grid, just half a tenth off pole-sitter Charles Leclerc. “We reverted on some of the items we brought,” Russell said after the race. “Early in the season, we brought a new rear suspension that clearly wasn’t performing as we’d have hoped.”
The race itself was a rollercoaster, with Russell surging to third on the opening lap after a daring move past Norris. Despite a fierce battle with Leclerc later in the race, which included some tense moments and radio exchanges, Russell held firm to claim his fifth podium of the season. “It’s good to be back on the podium,” he said.
“It’s been a challenging run of form for us as a team these last six or so races, so it’s a great way to enter the break.”
However, Russell cautioned against over-optimism, noting the race’s unusual outcome. With Max Verstappen out of position and Aston Martin’s drivers finishing strongly in fifth and sixth, alongside Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto in seventh, the final order was far from typical. “It was a pretty unique weekend,” Russell explained. “You see the results by McLaren, and it was quite an unusual finishing order from P3 down.
“I don’t think we should get carried away with the result, but clearly, in terms of pace, it was our best race of the season bar Canada.”
For Antonelli, the weekend was less triumphant but still showed progress. Starting from 15th, the young Italian battled to secure his first point on European soil, a small but significant step forward. “I’ve felt much more confidence in the car and in myself this weekend,” Antonelli said, reflecting on his improved performance despite the challenges.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed a mix of satisfaction and frustration after qualifying, acknowledging the team’s improved pace but lamenting missed opportunities. “We are both pleased and frustrated after Saturday in Budapest,” Wolff said. “George looked like he was going to take pole position, but a small snap of oversteer cost him some time.
“For Kimi, he was unlucky to get caught out in Q2, but he can be encouraged by the step forward he has taken here.”
As the Formula 1 circus pauses for the summer break, the Mercedes team have a foundation to build upon. Their decision to roll back upgrades proved effective, restoring stability and pace to the W16.
While Russell’s podium was a highlight, the team’s focus remains on understanding their mid-season struggles to ensure they return stronger for the second half of 2025. For fans, this result signals that the Silver Arrows are far from out of the fight, setting the stage for an exciting battle when racing resumes.
