Former Formula 1 driver and F1 TV analyst Jolyon Palmer believes George Russell is feeling the heat within Mercedes, claiming that the Briton is "still not there" compared to team-mate Kimi Antonelli following the Dutch Grand Prix.
Mercedes secured a double podium at Zandvoort, finishing second and third behind McLaren's Lando Norris. But the late team order instructing Russell to yield track position to Antonelli has become a popular talking point after the race.
The Italian had been running ahead of Russell before Mercedes opted to bring him in for a pitstop. When Antonelli returned to the track on fresh tyres, the pitwall ordered a position swap. At the time, Russell argued over team radio that the move risked losing a double podium for the team, but he later confirmed it was the right decision after the race.
"I can see the logic of Mercedes. I think George will probably see it," Palmer told F1 TV. "He's going to be a bit annoyed. He's had a tough day. The starts were obviously really, really difficult. Dropped behind Oscar at the second getaway, and that put the distance between him and the top two.
George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
"But he didn't really have the pace today in the end. I'm happy he's had a better weekend, but he's still not there.
"If we're talking about drivers of the season, I mean, Kimi once again has just executed really well. Not quite a win today, but every weekend he's also amazing. So, the pressure is on George. And I think when the dust settles, he'll say, 'Actually, I wasn't quite there today for whatever reason, particularly the starts, and I still have a bit of work to do.'"
Russell's third-place finish means he now sits second in the drivers' standings, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, although they are level on points with 183 each. Antonelli continues to lead the championship and has a 59-point lead with 242 points.
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Originally published by motorsport.com —
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