He was pleased to split the two McLarens in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, but George Russell believes that it will be a tall order that will make both better in the race.
Oscar Piastri secured the first Grand Prix pole position of his career on Saturday, beating his teammate Rand Norris, who was provisionally second in the third quarter. Russell then secured a front row start on the final attempt, admitting that Lap had a surprise after struggling to get the tires into the proper working window.
“To be honest, it feels incredible,” Russell said. “It was one of the hardest qualifying sessions I’ve done in a long time, and I was trying all sorts of things with the tires in my preparation, but I didn’t click anything. We did something completely different on that last lap.
“I was going fast on the out lap, slow on the lap, ready for the lap… and the last one was a little roll of dice. We had a big moment in Turn 1, but it all came together and when we crossed the line, I was really surprised.
Russell only has one car in front of him on the grid, but Lewis Hamilton scores a sprint as Piastri only finished second, but Mercedes drivers are worried that they don’t have the pace to fight McLaren.
“It’s going to be tough. I think the medium tyres on the Sprint were really tough. I think most drivers will start it in front of the field tomorrow.
“So, now, no one knows if it’s one or two stops. We know that McLaren will be quick, but we’re doing everything to stay where we are or try to jump ahead of them. It should be so much fun.
“I think it’s a bit of a stretch. This morning was a really difficult race. I think they’re still one step ahead of everyone. Ferrari was a real surprise with the sprint, but tomorrow is another game.