At the 2025 British Grand Prix, George Russell’s race strategy with Mercedes fell short despite starting inside the top five, resulting in a points finish but not the position the team had hoped for. The British driver openly reflected on Mercedes’ bold choices at Silverstone, which included an early switch to slick tires that ultimately didn’t work in their favor.
Early Tire Choice Turns Into a High-Stakes Gamble
Before the formation lap, Silverstone experienced drizzle, prompting all drivers to begin on intermediate tires. However, the track was drying quickly, with only the final sector remaining damp. George Russell, together with Charles Leclerc, opted to pit immediately after the formation lap to switch to slick tires, then restarted the race from the pit lane.
That decision placed Russell at a disadvantage early on, as drivers remaining on intermediates capitalized on faster lap times. The slick tires were not ideal on the still-moist surface, causing him to lose several seconds per lap initially. Although the track gradually dried, virtual safety cars (VSCs) disrupted the race flow, benefiting some who had pitted later and allowing them to overtake Russell.
Virtual Safety Cars and Changing Weather Complicate Race for Mercedes
The virtual safety car periods cooled down the intermediate tires for many drivers, enabling them to maintain competitive pace. Lance Stroll, for instance, stayed out on his intermediates for more than 10 laps—the optimal window before switching to dry tires—and emerged ahead of Russell, moving into the top 10. However, the weather shifted once more when rain returned around lap 18, forcing most drivers, including Russell, back onto intermediate tires. This sequence further diminished the effectiveness of Mercedes’ early gamble on slicks.
Russell Reflects on Mercedes’ Risky Strategy After the Race
Following the race, George Russell addressed the outcomes of Mercedes’ risky calls during a Sky F1 interview, admitting that the choices were a gamble that didn’t pay off. He said,
“I think it was a 50/50 call. At the beginning there was 25 minutes of no rain, but we spent 15 minutes behind the virtual safety car. As soon as we got going at the end, we were five seconds a lap quicker than the inter runners. But then the rain came. In hindsight, of course, it’s easy to say we probably risked too much, and then, the last pit stop, I probably went too early.” —George Russell, Mercedes Driver
“I risked too much, but I wasn’t expecting the hard tire. Just a terrible day, hurts me a lot, to be honest, to have a day like that here at my home grand prix. If we played it conservatively, we probably would have been, P3, P4, P5, it’s better than where we ended up, but that wasn’t what we were going for.” —George Russell, Mercedes Driver
The Critical Final Pit Stop Defined Russell’s Race Outcome
After the rain ceased, the track dried rapidly, prompting Fernando Alonso to be the first to switch to slick tires for the finish. George Russell soon followed, despite warnings from his race engineer calling the move “suicidal.” Running just outside the top five, Russell insisted on pitting for hard tires a lap after Alonso. The early switch once again proved premature, causing him to fall back behind competitors.
As other drivers transitioned to slicks a few laps later, Russell began posting the fastest sector times, demonstrating strong pace despite earlier setbacks. Despite the initial strategic missteps and disruptions from safety cars, he managed to secure a 10th-place finish, earning valuable points for Mercedes.
Implications and Looking Ahead for Mercedes and Russell
George Russell’s experience at Silverstone highlights the delicate balance in Formula 1 between bold strategy and calculated risk. The early gamble on slick tires, while potentially offering a competitive edge on a drying track, was compromised by changing weather and race incidents. Mercedes’ willingness to take risks shows promise but also underscores the need for precise timing when track conditions are volatile.
For Russell, the result at his home Grand Prix was disappointing but provided important lessons for future races. Mercedes will likely examine their decision-making processes to better adapt strategy calls amid unpredictable weather. With the championship still unfolding, how Mercedes adjusts their approach to tire choices and race management will be pivotal in maximizing Russell’s potential on competitive tracks like Silverstone.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened between George Russell and Max Verstappen?
A. MONTREAL — George Russell mentioned he wasn’t surprised that Max Verstappen didn’t own up to their collision in Spain. He said it’s not typical behavior for Verstappen. During the final laps of the Barcelona race, Verstappen drove aggressively into the side of Russell’s car. This incident nearly earned Verstappen a one-race suspension.
