David Coulthard has been left with egg on his face following his Las Vegas GP prediction (Image: Getty)
David Coulthard has issued an apology to after doubting the Brit could win the .
’s fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title stole the weekend headlines, but the Dutchman finished all the way down in fifth, 16 seconds down on eventual winner Russell.
It’s something former racing driver Coulthard didn’t think was possible, with the Brit having expected to take the top spot.
Speaking on the Drive to Wynn Podcast, he claimed: “I just felt that, given everything we’ve seen in the previous Grand Prix, even though were out of place, relatively speaking in qualifying, somehow I just thought their race pace would materialise in the same way that I thought would have the race pace.
“So I had it pegged as , , Charles Leclerc was my top three. I’m sorry George, you were brilliant, and I’ll never doubt you again. He just owned it.”
It was Russell’s second victory of the 2024 Formula One season and only his third since moving to in 2021.
Reflecting on his latest triumph, Russell said: “It’s been a dream of a weekend. I don’t know how I’ve been so quick but I’m just enjoying this ride right now.
“Vegas is just a crazy place. I can’t even describe this place. To get pole, the win and one-two with Lewis as well, we couldn’t have chosen a better place for this to happen.”
Don’t miss…
George Russell won his third Grand Prix race on Saturday (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
Russell’s task was made easier after qualifying in pole position, but team-mate suggested post-race he’d have won the Grand Prix had he bagged P1 himself.
It’s something Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle has dubbed nonsense, writing: “It was an assured performance from George who is looking very much the real deal in terms of leading that team into the future.
“Hamilton in the sister had looked equally fast, albeit with a few trips up the escape road here and there.”
Don’t miss… [READ] [F1 ] [NEWS]
He continued: “Sadly for him he had two poor laps in final qualifying when the back end stepped out and he would start a lowly 10th.
“He said post-race that had he started at the front he would have breezed the race, which surprised Russell a little. There’s no doubt Russell had more pace if he’d needed it.”
Just two races of the season remain with Qatar the penultimate stop of the 2024 schedule.