F1 News
Russell happy with P2 result: 'This is a bit better than we expected'
- Toby McLuskie
George Russell and Mercedes had a strong performance in qualifying, with the Brit claiming P2 and his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, finishing just two places below in fourth. Russell was happy with his result but did admit that he was slightly surprised by claiming a front-row slot for Sunday's Grand Prix.
"It was a tricky day for everyone," the Mercedes driver explained to Naomi Schiff in the pit lane, before adding: "[There is] slippy new tarmac and [it's] super windy so the sand has blown onto the track. The lap times in qualifying were immense compared to what we were doing this morning."
He rounded out by explaining that the result was 'a bit better than we expected,' but stayed aware of what the team needs to do on Sunday to claim the best result possible: "The McLarens are really quick, and Verstappen and Red Bull are in a league of their own, our fight is with Ferrari to secure P2. We need to be consistent.