George Russell bemoaned Mercedes’ weather reports for the Dutch Grand Prix, as the incorrect information saw him lose out massively after starting from third place.
The Brit was looking to convert his grid spot into a second Formula 1 podium at Zandvoort, but found himself well out of the points after two laps.
Rain fell effectively right after lights out, prompting drivers to either risk a pit-stop for inters or to try and stick it out.
Mercedes attempted to hold out with both cars, but eventually was forced to pit as the inter was worth over seven seconds a lap at one stage, leaving Russell thinking about what could have been.
“The race was over before it even started,” Russell said to select members of the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “I think the information we had regarding the weather was totally wrong.
“We thought the rain was going to last a couple of minutes and it lasted for longer, so that was a real shame as a podium was on.”
Not his day
Despite the early set back, once the dry conditions arrived Mercedes bolted the hard tyres onto Russell’s car with the ambition of running a one-stop strategy.
It somewhat worked as he climbed up to eighth position before the red flag, caused by Zhou Guanyu’s accident at Turn 1, as the rain began to fall again.
Now back in contention for a solid result on equal tyres to those around him, Russell looked to see if he could finish as high as fourth, but was forced to retire following contact with Lando Norris.
Russell attempted to pass his compatriot but sustained a puncture when the pair collided in the wet conditions.
It appeared to be neither driver’s fault, but summarised his race as he lost out on points to his championship-position rival Carlos Sainz.
