P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell was the better of the two Mercedes drivers throughout the Imola weekend, but finished behind Lewis Hamilton after a second pit-stop.
George Russell stated that he will not be upset about losing sixth place to Lewis Hamilton in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after a second pit-stop. Despite being ahead of Hamilton in qualifying and throughout the race, a second pit-stop due to safety concerns left Russell over 20 seconds behind Hamilton with 11 laps remaining. Russell managed to reduce the gap to 12.050s by the end of the race, finishing behind Hamilton for the second consecutive race but securing the seventh career-fastest lap. Reflecting on the situation, Russell emphasized that the pitstop decision was not worth sulking over as it was for sixth place, not a podium or victory. He also acknowledged that Mercedes is currently in a position behind the top teams but ahead of the midfield, between the Ferraris and McLarens. Despite feeling that the early pitstop compromised his race strategy, Russell recognized the team effort in securing an additional point for the fastest lap.
