George Russell stole the show at the 2024 Belgium Grand Prix, leaving his Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton, in a cloud of controversy and frustration. The team dynamics took a turn as Mercedes clinched three wins out of their last four races, yet Hamilton found himself lamenting a missed opportunity due to a strategic mishap.
Russell’s masterstroke came with a bold one-stop strategy that took even his own team by surprise. He managed to keep his tires in optimal condition while his rivals struggled. This impressive feat allowed him to not only fend off fresh tire assaults from Hamilton but also from Oscar Piastri.
Hamilton, who had plenty of tire life left in each stint, was visibly disappointed. ‘Every stint I had tires left, but the team pulled me in. Unfortunate, but it is what it is,’ he said, maintaining his characteristic poise. However, he was quick to congratulate Russell and the team for what he described as a fantastic performance.
Post-race, former F1 driver and current presenter Karen Chandhok praised Russell’s decision-making. She revealed that even the Mercedes team hadn’t considered the one-stop strategy initially. According to her, Russell proposed the one-stop idea and then executed it flawlessly, managing to keep his cool under intense pressure.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, acknowledged the team’s strategic error. He explained that Hamilton’s second stop was a precautionary measure to cover both Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. Wolff also commended Russell, calling it his best win to date, and noting his potential to step up as a future team leader.
Hamilton reiterated his frustration, emphasizing that he had to rely on his strategists. ‘It was a bit of a shock at the end to see George [staying out], but we’ll take that in-house and move forward. We can all go into the summer break with our heads held high,’ he said. Nevertheless, Hamilton’s face told a different story in the cooldown room—he was visibly upset.
Meanwhile, in a twist, Helmut Marko from Red Bull Racing confirmed a crunch meeting to discuss Sergio Perez’s future with the team. This revelation adds another layer of excitement as the F1 world anticipates what decisions might be made over the summer break.
As the dust settles, George Russell’s win has not only shifted the momentum within the Mercedes camp but also put a spotlight on the crucial importance of strategy in F1. With the summer break ahead, both fans and teams have plenty to ponder. One thing is certain: the drama continues to unfold, on and off the track.
