Russell happy to take maiden F1 podium “no matter” the circumstances

Russell put his Williams second on the grid alongside Max Verstappen after starring in qualifying.

He secured his first-ever podium finish after the race result was declared after just two laps of racing behind the Safety Car.

Due to worsening weather conditions, the race was called off with Verstappen winning ahead of Russell and championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Reflecting on his sensational result in Belgium, Russell says Williams deserved it after years of pain running at the back of the grid.

“We will take it no matter what and I think we’ve also got to remember it was only last race that we scored our first points together with Williams in our third season and here we are standing on the podium at the Belgian Grand Prix,” Russell said.

“If you told me that at the start of the year, I’d have said ‘no way'. Obviously, if the race went ahead it would have been incredibly difficult to have held our position and our strategists had us down as the 17th fastest car on the grid so to try and fight for a podium being the 17th fastest car on the grid would have been very, very difficult.

“You’ve got to take it as it comes. Like I said, the hard work was done yesterday, so fantastic to get some reward for that.”

Russell conceded that he’s not as excited as he would have been had he finished on the podium after 44 laps of racing, although he’s sure it will be one to savour for years to come for the Williams team.

“I am not going to cry, I am not going to cry this time, I was much more emotional this time,” Russell added. “I have to admit it’s quite a strange feeling because earning this podium without doing any racing laps. I don’t think I’ve ever had this in my whole career, let alone for a Formula 1 race.

“I am not quite as elated as I would ordinarily be but going back to the garage, celebrating with the guys, trophy in hand, champagne in the other hand. I am sure we will all remember this for a long, long time.”