Russell did not feel "as comfortable" in his "car as at previous races"

Despite his podium finish at Miami, Mercedes driver George Russell has conceded that he did not feel himself as comfortable at the Miami International Autodrome as at the previous races.

Coming off the back of sensational performances both in the sprint and the main qualifying, Mercedes struggled for race pace in the 57-lap Miami race.

Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli was running in second early on, he was powerless to hold the faster McLarens at bay. The Italian then lost time during a slow pit stop before he lost further race time compared to his team-mate George Russell, who could shorten the duration of his own pit stop thanks to a virtual safety car interruption. Antonelli ended up sixth behind the Williams of Alexander Albon.

Russell looked to struggle for grip during the opening stint on the hards, but he benefitted from a cheap stop during the VSC. The Briton rejoined the track just ahead of Verstappen, and managed to stay in front of the Dutchman to pick up yet another podium.

Despite his podium finish at Miami, Russell has conceded that he did not feel himself as comfortable at the Miami International Autodrome as at the previous races.

"I am really happy to come away with P3 today in Miami. I’ve been struggling a little more than usual this weekend and not felt as comfortable in the car as at previous races this season.

"I’ve been a little on the back foot but when it mattered, we’ve put in a good performance and come away with another strong result. Verstappen was close behind me after we pitted but I felt positive on the Medium tyre and knew I could manage my pace to keep him behind.

"Ultimately the McLarens had a decent advantage over the rest of the field so congratulations to them. It will be a tough ask to close them down, but we will keep working on doing that, and we’re looking forward to the upcoming triple header in Europe, starting at Imola."