Russell expected the result, Hamilton moved up nine places and scored points – F1sport.cz

Both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton improved in the race and Mercedes will take the points from the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix for sixth and ninth place.

Russell improved by two positions right at the start when he dealt with the Ferrari drivers.

“Starting eighth and gaining a few positions was what we expected from today’s race. The result is fair and we know we have work to do. We’ve had similar battles with (Fernando) Alonso and (Oscar) Piastri in the last three races, so sixth is about where our car is at the moment,” said Russell.

Hamilton earned nine positions

After finishing 18th in yesterday’s qualifying, Hamilton had a tough race ahead of him.

He also failed to start, where he lost one position. But gradually, with the help of pit stops, he moved up the order.

“I moved forward and got into the points, but it was a tough race. Yesterday I made the wrong decision to change the car setup and I paid for it. The car only seemed to work in a small window of operation, I thought that would be fine. Unfortunately it made it very difficult for me today,” Hamilton said.

“The team did a great job with the pit stops and George also did a great job scoring decent points. I’m sure the next race in Miami will be better.”