Russell: A first podium at Silverstone, but 'on the top step'

George Russell is setting a high bar for the British Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver aiming for a maiden podium at his home race, but on the top step!

Mercedes heads to Silverstone on the back of two consecutive third-place finishes at Baku and in Miami, with Russell and teammate Lewis Hamilton sharing the accomplishments.

On paper, Mercedes is unlikely in Britain to outperform its front-running rivals Red Bull and Ferrari despite the team's recent progress.

But while the Brackley squad may not prevail on merit, circumstances and good fortune could open the door to an unexpected win.

If such a scenario pans out, and even if it doesn't, Russell hopes he'll be in the right place at the right time on Sunday afternoon to capture his first podium on home soil.

"It would mean a huge amount. But I want my first podium at Silverstone to be on the top step, so that's what I am absolutely going for," he admitted, speaking ahead of this weekend's event on the latest Beyond the Grid podcast.

"Not that I'd back off on the last lap if I'm second or third to not be on the podium, but Silverstone has such a fond place in my heart.

• Read also: Still 'a mountain to climb' for Mercedes, says Wolff

"It's where I won my first ever race, it's where I did my first-ever race as well, won it, first race! It's where I did my first ever test in a Formula 1 car.

"And just being my home race, the support is huge, so I can't wait to get there, and I'll be giving it absolutely everything I've got."

Needless to say, a first career win in Formula 1 conquered in front of his home crowd would surpass in emotion and atmosphere any win, or perhaps life experience, enjoyed by Russell up to now.

"I think it's going to feel electric to be honest," he said. "I remember last year, Silverstone was the first race where Formula 1 had a full crowd back after we spent a year and a half without fans…

"And it was a slap in the face how much support it was and how awesome it was to have fans back."

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