Russell: We've got to find more speed to challenge in normal conditions

Russell's statement reflected the situation during the opening race of the 2025 Formula 1 season in Melbourne as McLaren enjoyed a big advantage in qualifying that went down in dry conditions, while rain on race day meant the Woking squad's rivals were able to close in.

Russell started the race from fourth but dropped back before managing to climb back up to the podium positions as the weather caused havoc in the second half of the race with McLaren's Oscar Piastri spinning out of contention.

"That was not an easy race for anyone, so I'm pleased to bring it home in P3, taking our first podium finish of the new season," Russell said in Mercedes' team report. "Keeping it on the road was a challenge at times, particularly in the changeable conditions.

"There were moments when the rain became slightly heavier whilst running on worn Intermediates, and then near the end the downpour arrived when we were on slicks. The team did a great job operationally today and we definitely maximised the result.

"The pace of the car was enough for us to fight for the podium, but we know we've got to find more speed if we want to challenge McLaren in normal conditions," the Briton insisted.

Russell hailed the debut of his new teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was fourth on his debut with Mercedes while his fellow rookies faltered.

"Kimi did an amazing job for his first race," Russell said. "To come through from P16 to P4 at any time is impressive. To do it on his Grand Prix debut is therefore fantastic.

"He deserved that result after yesterday where he was unlucky to suffer floor damage in Qualifying," he added referring to Antonelli's Q1 elimination.

"It's a positive start to the season for the whole team and we're excited to move on to Shanghai and see what we can do at next weekend's Chinese Grand Prix," Russell concluded.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff commented on the opening race for his team; he added: Both drivers did a great job today in very challenging conditions.

"George drove a superb and controlled race to finish on the podium, whilst Kimi showed a great deal of maturity, in addition to the speed we know he has, to fight through from P16 to P4.

"The team executed the race well and operationally performed strongly. We saw many other drivers fail to make it to the flag, and other teams unable to take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves, so we can be pleased with our Sunday.

"The McLarens were incredibly quick today," Wolff went on. "We know we have to find more performance to be able to challenge them in normal conditions.

"We have clearly taken a step forward over the winter though and we can be encouraged by that. Both drivers have been working well together, the car is responding to their inputs, and it's a solid platform to build on.

"We look forward to doing that in China next weekend," the Austrian concluded.