George Russell made an honest assessment after a challenging qualifying session at the Miami Grand Prix, admitting that there appears to be nothing to get back on track and click on him.
Russell placed fifth in Miami, less than two tenths of pole sitter Max Verstappen.
This was the first time Russell has achieved a qualification that was rejected by teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The Italians enjoyed a great weekend and attacked Paul in the sprint qualifiers.
The Pit Lane Incident with Barstappen ruined Antoneri’s sprint race.
However, Antonelli bounced right behind Verstappen and Rand Norris to win third place in the Grand Prix.
Looking back at his own qualifications, Russell confirmed this weekend that he is “really struggling.”
“To be honest, I’ve been really struggling today. I wasn’t clicking on me this weekend,” Russell said after qualifying.
“Quali has been my true strength this season, and obviously it’s working really well this year, but it’s not working here in Miami, you’re doing a great job.
“For me, it’s the worst qual-of-the-year, but it could have been even worse, and I was really surprised at how close Paul was to it.
“I wasn’t confident in myself and I knew I couldn’t drive my own possibilities because I wasn’t confident. Days like these are kind of damage limits. So, P5 was a good thing that took all into consideration.”
Russell “takes a step back.”
In addition to Verstappen, Russell is one of Formula 1’s most consistent performers in 2025.
His strong results mean he is fourth in the driver’s ranking, only 26 points behind Piastri.
Russell explained in detail why he’s been struggling this weekend.
“He’s done a great job, very fast, and for myself, I took a step back, so what worked for me in these first five races, didn’t work here in Miami.
“In a sprint race, it’s a bit difficult to turn that around when you step backwards. That was right. I’ve always struggled in the middle division, sector 2. The frontend wasn’t coming to me.
“Pirelli increased the pressure that made the issue worse last night. Of the top four teams, we know that it’s probably the worst thing to keep the temperature down from the tires.
“One lap is very close, but unfortunately I think that gap will be extended tomorrow.”