Russell blames Verstappen: 'I probably lost time because of him!'
George Russell believes that he would've been in pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix if he hadn't been blocked by polesitter Max Verstappen. The Brit has been quick all weekend, securing third in the sprint race and performing well in qualifying. In the post-session press conference, the Mercedes driver reflected on what could've been.
Russell: 'I had a really scrappy out-lap with that near-collision':
Just after qualifying at the Losail International Circuit, Russell revealed that he struggled to picture exactly where he was losing time on his final lap. "My first lap was really strong, I was really pleased with that. I think I was a couple of tenths clear, and then I just didn't improve on that last lap," the Mercedes driver began. "Obviously I had a really scrappy out lap with a near collision with Max and I ended up going through the gravel two corners prior to opening my lap, so it was not a good start so that was probably the 55 milliseconds!" Russell laughed playfully as he blamed the polesitter.
Russell highlights Red Bull's turnaround:
The Brit isn't disappointed with his front-row start, highlighting Red Bull's quick turnaround. Earlier on Saturday, Verstappen struggled, finishing eighth in the sprint race. "It's great to be in this groove at the moment for front row starts, which has been really pleasing considering where we were three or four races ago, and the race pace this morning looked great. Max did a great job, Red Bull seemed to turn it around a little bit since yesterday but let's see what tomorrow brings," Russell said.
Russell ready for a fight between 'all four teams':
Looking ahead to tomorrow's Grand Prix, Russell is certain that it's going to be a race not to miss due to the closeness of the top four teams. "It's going to be exciting. Those inside starting positions were really tricky, think every driver on the right-hand side made a poor start and that ultimately cost me a chance to fight with Lando (in the sprint). Now, obviously Max up front, I think it's going to be a really close fight between all four teams. Ferrari looked at the same pace as Lando and myself this morning. So, I mean, I hope it's going to be a good one, but tyres seem pretty resilient. Maybe we'll see another DRS train, I don't know." Russell concluded.
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People may say stupid things in the heat of the moment. Adrenaline isn't helping.
Yes Max was actually not in the delta time that lap, and impeded Russell. Rookie error from the 4 time WDC.
Whether Russell was on a push lap or not doesn’t change the fact that Max’s positioning could still qualify as impeding if it unnecessarily affected Russell’s ability to manage his delta. The FIA looks at whether a driver’s actions were avoidable or created a problem for another car.
"Avoidable..." yes George saw Max miles away, still he just kept going instead of avoiding....... Just a lot of blablabla and crying from your side as usual, family of George??????
I watched replay and no, probably you did not lose any time Russell. Right now I don't understand anymore what Russell is doing, is he trying to get a penalty for Verstappen or just whining. I would think it's the later one. As there was nothing dangerous. He saw Verstappen miles ahead, so he had time to react long before. You don't have to drive straight behind him and then press brakes. He's basically mad, cause Verstappen was not driving same speed as him and he caught up with Verstappen. When he could have easily just overtaken him, as Verstappen was just driving in normal racing line. In these situations I think you just have to follow the minimum time and that's it. Just cause Russell decided to go really quick in some section and then slow down at some other, is not someone else's fault. That's the reason I kinda don't like Russell, he feels over the top arrogant to me. It's me me me all the time. I would turn into Ocon, if I had Russell kind of team-mate. Am surprised Hamilton has taken it so well.
In a way I cannot fault George. He knows that Sky sports will give him the microphone (for his comments in the car) and the screen time. He also knows which way the stewards lean. It's actually difficult for me to fault the Brits for taking advantage of the situation. Wouldn't you, if you were in the same/similar situation?
I believe Max is one of those types who never really forget. I'm wondering if that fastest lap was his reply to Russell's latest statements (i.e. that he could have won the championship in a RB) ?
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