Russell delighted with qualifying in Zandvoort: 'Happy to be here in P3.'

George Russell has had a great Saturday in Zandvoort, as he claimed third place in qualifying, behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. This came after a strong performance in FP3, where he finished in second. The Mercedes driver believes that a podium place is there for the taking but also he is wary of those chasing him down off the start line.

"[It was a] really great session, happy to be here in P3," Russell told David Coulthard in the pit lane, before adding: "Quali was a strength of mine at the start of the year and it has been going a little wrong recently. Good to have the break to bring in fresh ideas. We're in a good place to fight for a podium tomorrow."

He also went on to explain how hard it is for the team to deal with a wet-to-dry crossover on the circuit, but is hopeful that a battle can be had with those around him tomorrow: "We always struggle when the tyres are very wet or it's the crossover onto slicks and we have to get the temperature into the tyres. I'm sure Max will have his Sunday drive and wave to the crowd on his way, but hopefully, we can have a fight with Alex, Lando and the other guys."

To finish off, Russell stated his praises for the performance of Williams and Alex Albon, before joking about a comment made by the Thai driver to himself before qualifying, he said, "[I'm] really happy for Williams. I saw the guys on the pit wall looking happy with the performance. Alex told me they'd be rubbish, I think he got that slightly wrong!"