George Russell Channels Fernando Alonso’s Iconic Start for Dream Spanish GP Performance

George Russell credits Fernando Alonso as his motivation for an ideal beginning at the Spanish Grand Prix

George Russell shares insight into his remarkable opening lap performance at the Spanish Grand Prix.

George Russell disclosed that he was motivated by Fernando Alonso's explosive beginning at the Spanish Grand Prix, which occurred 13 years prior, as he secured the top position in the opening lap.

Russell executed a daring move to pass Max Verstappen and Lando Norris by maneuvering around the outside of Turn 1, successfully claiming the lead into the first corner.

Positioned right behind Verstappen, the Mercedes racer then shifted to the left, smoothly overtaking on the outside to seize the race's front position.

Despite the effort proving futile, with Russell surrendering the top spot to Verstappen not long after, the maneuver was impressive.

Alonso swiftly moved up from fourth position to take the lead in the first lap of the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix.

The Spanish driver managed to pass both Red Bulls and Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1, expertly leveraging his KERS system and demonstrating remarkable control of his vehicle.

After the race, while speaking to a select group of journalists including those from Crash.net in Barcelona, Russell shared that he had been “hoping” for a strong start similar to the one he had imagined the night before, and he mentioned Alonso's remarkable start in 2011 as a reference point.

"I actually found myself thinking about it in my dreams last night, planning my approach," he shared. "After checking the weather forecast and noticing the wind direction had changed to a headwind at Turn 1, I realized it allowed me to brake much later and aggressively into the turn.

"Indeed, during my kart racing days, I vividly recall observing Fernando back in 2012 [2011], initiating from the fourth position and advancing to the lead. Thus, I've always been aware that such a feat was achievable."

Although Russell managed to get ahead, he ultimately ended up in fourth place.

Russell fell behind Norris during the pit stop sequence and was subsequently passed by Hamilton, who chose soft tires instead of hard ones for the last segment of the race.

Russell admitted that selecting the hard tyre was a rather poor decision.

"Indeed, somewhat," he further stated. "I believe a handful of minor issues didn't go our way today. Specifically, the delayed pit stop which subsequently placed us at a disadvantage during the middle stint and subjected us to some pressure."

"Following that, a considerable amount of time was spent in a battle with Lando, which led us to switch to the hard tyre. It wasn't ideal, but it did ensure we secured the third and fourth positions for the team, which was essentially our goal."

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