Mercedes have a long way to go but success in Spain is still significant | Giles Richards

Podium finishes for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell could be the first step in team’s return to the title picture

There was deserved elation at Mercedes after taking a double podium at the Spanish Grand Prix, the tension etched into the faces of some team members draining away. But as the team heads back to Brackley they are more than aware that they have only reached basecamp. The mountain lies ahead.

With Lewis Hamilton taking second place and his teammate George Russell third in Barcelona, it was their best result of the season and indeed the outstanding performance of their car in terms of drivability, pace and balance. Hamilton called it the best performing car Mercedes had built since he last challenged for the title in 2021.