P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell took inspiration from an iconic Fernando Alonso to roar into the lead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
George Russell practiced emulating Fernando Alonso’s iconic 2011 Spanish Grand Prix start and managed to grab the lead in Barcelona from fourth on the grid using the slipstream of Norris and Verstappen. However, he was eventually passed by Verstappen, Norris, and Hamilton, finishing fourth and fending off Leclerc’s late charge. Russell had envisioned this strategy after studying the weather forecast and practicing braking late due to the headwind at Turn 1. Although he switched to hard tires mid-race, he explained that this was part of Mercedes’ plan to secure their podium positions against Ferrari. Russell expressed some disappointment but focused on the team’s overall positive performance in recent races.
