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Russell celebrates 'amazing' Belgian Grand Prix victory as risky strategy pays off
Mercedes elected for George Russell only to pit once at the Belgian Grand Prix, and that strategy proved fruitful as he triumphed on Sunday.
George Russell celebrated an "amazing" win at Spa in the Belgian Grand Prix.
Russell edged out Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to triumph in a thrilling battle on Sunday.
It marked Russell's second win of the season, as he became only the second driver – after reigning Formula One champion Max Verstappen – to win multiple races in 2024.
And a risky strategy that saw Russell only pit once ultimately paid off in style for Mercedes, who have won three of the last four races.
"Amazing," said Russell, who charged up from sixth on the grid.
"We definitely didn't predict this win this morning in our strategy meeting but the car was feeling really awesome.
"We made a lot of changes from Friday night and the tyres just felt great. I kept saying 'we can do the one stop'.
"[Oscar] Piastri did a really great job and also well done to Lewis – he really controlled that race and if circumstances were slightly different I am sure he would have got the victory but a one-two for the team was such an awesome result and such a great way to go into the break.
"Three wins for us now. I want another race next weekend. The team have been working so hard so well deserved for everybody."
Asked whose idea it was to go with just one pit stop, Russell said: "I was focusing a lot during the race so I will have to listen to the radio commentary back but it was a team effort.
"We rolled the dice but it was only possible because the car was feeling really great."
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff was thrilled the risk paid off.
He told Sky Sports: "It’s incredible. We were nowhere. We changed a few things on the car and today we’ve been clearly ahead of everyone.
"We didn't think it was possible but at a certain stage we said, let's stay out, because we were going to finish fifth anyway, both scenarios. He stayed out and in the end he made it last."