P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell performed a successful overcut on both Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli in Baku, despite the team having concerns the strategy would not prevail.
Mercedes technical director James Allison disclosed the team’s concern that George Russell would come out behind Carlos Sainz in Baku, with the gap being “on the bubble.” Despite battling illness, Russell managed a remarkable performance to secure second place, advancing three positions from the start. He executed a lengthy opening stint to overcut both Kimi Antonelli and Sainz, who held second and third spots for the majority of the race. Expecting Russell to trail Sainz after the pit stop, Mercedes was surprised when he emerged still in second place, comfortably ahead of Sainz. Allison expressed excitement during the race, noting that they thought Russell would be behind Sainz but were thrilled to see everything fall into place to maintain the position, celebrating a well-executed pit stop and overcut strategy.
