Russell laughs: 'It was just like Maldonado with Verstappen'

George Russell looks back on his race in the Algarve with a good feeling. The Williams driver was very satisfied with his pace but states that it was difficult to search for grip. He even compares himself to Pastor Maldonado five years ago.

“It was a good race,” said Russell about his Portuguese Grand Prix in a conversation with Sky Sports. The young Brit was full of praise for Sunday's Williams. “The car felt great, the pace was good. I had some massive moments in behind Esteban Ocon when I was trying to overtake him and Alex Albon, and another behind Antonio Giovinazzi later in the race when I tried overtaking him into turn three," he added.

The circuit in Portimao was recently resurfaced and that caused little grip. From time to time, the drivers were slipping and sliding. “It was like Pastor Maldonado at the Red Bull Ring, was it, with Max Verstappen where he massively lost it? I felt a bit like Maldonado then, so that’s something I wasn’t expecting to say after this race!” he said to the Sky Sports camera.

The 22-year-old driver eventually finished in 14th place, which is where he started. In the drivers' world championship, Russell is still last with 0 points, as is teammate Nicholas Latifi.