After an impressive comeback drive in China, George Russell returned to the podium in the fourth round of Formula 1’s Virtual Grand Prix series for ROKiT Williams Racing.

Driving at Interlagos for the Virtual Dutch Grand Prix – as voted for by fans – George delivered a strong performance in qualifying to secure second on the grid, trailing polesitter Stoffel Vandoorne by only 0.001s.

With a strong getaway, George got the initial jump on Vandoorne, however, a light tag from Enzo Fittipaldi behind pushed the Briton down to fourth on the entry to Turn 1, now in quick pursuit of Antonio Giovinazzi who had advanced to third.

Dueling with the Italian and losing time on the battle for the lead ahead, George exchanged positions with Giovinazzi for the opening six laps, finally overtaking on the seventh to hold the final podium position.

Moving into second place as Charles Leclerc pitted at the end of lap 12, George too boxed on lap 13, swapping his race-starting Softs for a set of Medium-compound tyres, rejoining in fifth and a net third place, with Fittipaldi and Christian Lundgaard still to pit ahead.

Regaining third, George kick-started his chase for the top step, closing in by three seconds to be within touching distance of Leclerc and Alexander Albon who were battling for the lead.

With Leclerc receiving a three-second time penalty after extending track limits, George remained in-touch with the Monegasque racer and was promoted to second when he took the chequered flag, obtaining his best result of the series so far and second podium in three races.

Highlights of the Virtual Dutch Grand Prix are available below:

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Video Courtesy of Formula 1

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