Russell took advantage of early leader Charles Leclerc’s retirement to run third in the closing stages with team-mate Lewis Hamilton behind him when the pair suffered a water leak, allowing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to overtake seven-time world champion. the penultimate round.

The problem also sent Russell on the defensive, but he held off the Spaniard to take third place on the podium, his second of the season after Australia, albeit 20 seconds behind second-placed Sergio Perez.

Like Russell, Hamilton was ordered to stand and roll on the radio amid growing concern over the potential end-of-race issue, and managed to finish fifth – despite falling to the back of the pack after a clash with Kevin Magnussen’s Haas and a puncture on the opening tour.

Russell said of the final stages: “Yes, it was very difficult in the last laps. It was a survival race when we knew we had a gap.

He said the overheating issues were “painting us a lot to be honest”, adding: “When I had the Red Bull in my mirrors all I did was do my best to keep it behind and that was a few nice nice rides.

“I’m just delighted to be able to bring P3 home, lots of points on the board for us.”

Despite the strong result, the team still sit third in the constructors’ championship, 75 points behind leaders Red Bull and 49 behind second-placed Ferrari.

Both drivers felt the team had taken a big step in addressing its porpoising issues with the updates made at Barcelona.

But Russell was hesitant to say the team had returned to their usual form, adding the race was “very difficult”.

He said: “I would love to say it, but today was very difficult. I gave everything to keep Max, he did an incredible job. And so proud to be here.

“We had to work so hard so this is for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. So thank you.”