Mercedes driver George Russell believes the summer break has helped to "reset" his fortunes after qualifying third for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Briton had been struggling for form in the opening 12 races of the season, with Lewis Hamilton winning the intra-team battle at the Silver Arrows. But as the seven-time F1 champion struggled to only 13th on the grid, Russell fought it out with Lando Norris for the front row alongside the dominant Max Verstappen - the McLaren driver eventually finishing above his compatriot. "A great session and really happy to be here in P3," said Russell. "Quali was one of my strengths at the start of the year and it has been going a little bit wrong recently, so it was good to have that break. "We came here with a fresh set of ideas, a reset and a good place to fight for a podium."
Weaknesses to strengths
Russell had faced a fight just to reach Q3 in the changeable conditions and explained: "We always struggle when it is either very wet or when there is a crossover into the slicks and we need to get that temperature into the tyres. "But we know the Saturday weakness is the strength on Sunday, so it should be an exciting race. "Max will be having his Sunday drive and waving to the crowd on his way but hopefully we can have a good fight with Alex, Lando and the rest of them."
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