Piastri 'in a league of his own' after Bahrain victory, says Russell

The win moves Piastri within three points of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in the drivers' championship, as he led from lights to flag to finish 15 seconds clear of Russell.

The Brit had an opportunity to catch Piastri when debris on the track brought about a safety car 32 laps in, but the Australian successfully fought him off when racing resumed four laps later.

"Oscar was in a league of his own. Congratulations to him and McLaren," said Russell. "We knew they would be pretty extraordinary around this circuit; I was proven right.

"For ourselves, it's been four races, three podiums, all on different types of tracks, so it gives us confidence going into the future."

A third podium in four races to start George’s 2025 season pic.twitter.com/TozyJkOF3u

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 13, 2025

Russell faced a post-race investigation for a DRS infringement as several technical elements of his car appeared to fail during the closing laps.

The DRS was activated in the incorrect place, but Russell holds onto his second-place finish as the stewards found that while a breach occurred, there was "no sporting advantage gained", so no penalty was imposed.

Asked about the incident after the race, the Mercedes driver said: "It felt under control, and then suddenly, we had a brake-valve wire failure. Suddenly, the pedal was going long, then it was going short. I didn't know what was going on.

"The steering wheel wasn't working properly, so it was hard to keep Lando behind. I think one more lap, and he would have got me very comfortably. But nevertheless, really pleased with P2."

Piastri's team-mate Norris, who started sixth and finished third, bemoaned "too many mistakes" during the race.

"It was a messy race from me, and I'm disappointed not to bring home a one-two for McLaren because that would have been lovely at home," he said. "It's a tough one, but still a few positives.

On his and Russell's tight battle in the final few laps, Norris added: "I thought I would be able to get him, but I guess he was probably just saving a bit at the end, which he did well to do. He did a good job."