Russell takes away 'a lot of positives' from Monaco P5

©Mercedes

George Russell upheld in Monaco his unblemished track record of consecutive top-five finishes with Mercedes this season, and the Briton is taking away "a lot of positive" from his race.

Mercedes' decision to switch Russell straight to hards after his 21-lap stint on the wets allowed the Briton to undercut McLaren's Lando Norris and seize fifth, a position he would hold until the checkered.

But beyond a result that validated his remarkable consistency this season, Russell was particularly encouraged by his first stint on the hard compound tyre during which he was the fastest driver out on the track.

Read also: F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2022 Monaco GP

"There were definitely a lot of positives from that race," said Rissell at the end of the day.

"I think on the hard tyre before the second red flag, we were the quickest car on track and that was a pretty fun stint. Obviously a bit close with Lando on the pit exit there…

"He came out in front of me at the pit exit; I was behind and he went to the left and I sort of went on the wet stuff. It felt pretty dicey from within the car for Monaco in damp conditions!"

©Mercedes

Looking back to the start of his afternoon, Russell said the hectic circumstances tested his patience. But in hindsight, the Mercedes driver considered that Monaco's race control had well managed the disruptions caused by the weather.

"Yes, it was tough," he said. "I think it was a bit frustrating, from the beginning when we kept having the delays.

"But fair play to the FIA because I think they saw the weather coming in and it literally was undrivable conditions when we attempted it on the first occasion.

"And then the second red flag, track drying up, one dry line, it’s never easy. Especially on a track like this. But we made it – P5, and more to come next time I think.

"It was physical out there, it was very bumpy, which we knew was our limitation this weekend," he added. "But P5, we’ll take the points and try and come back stronger next time."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.