Russell frustrated after P6 in Qualifying: ‘Only half a tenth from third'

"After FP2, we had us down as 17th and 18th quickest in single lap work and third and fourth quickest in the race pace. So the only thing different between those two were the tyres. We made some really good improvements overnight," Russell told GPblog among other media after qualifying.

"Frustrated to see we're only half a tenth from P3, that would have been an amazing result, but I felt happy with my lap. Lewis has been pushing me really hard all weekend and stayed calm. It all came together on that last lap and there's no reason we can't fight for P2, P3," the Briton continued

Russell was also optimistic about his team's chances and hopes they can achieve a positive result. "I'm feeling positive, feeling motivated, but there's a couple of unknowns. I think we know roughly where Ferrari will be. I think we probably have a tenth or two on them, whether that's enough to pass them physically on track rather than around the pit stops is one thing."

Russell surprised by the McLarens

The one-time race winner did not expect the McLarens to be so far up the grid. "Exceptionally surprised by them. They've done an amazing job. Not too sure where all of that performance has come from, even last weekend and their race pace was fast."

Russell also thinks Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will have a great battle with Mercedes during the race. "That's going to be the interesting one tomorrow because you often see teams quick on a Saturday and go backwards on a Sunday. I have a sneaky feeling that won't necessarily be the case with McLaren. So we have a fight on our hands."