The top positions in the qualifying for the United States Grand Prix of Formula 1 were not far from George Russell. However, the Mercedes driver had difficulties in Austin, despite finishing in fifth place.
The British driver said it was a complicated Friday, taking responsibility for improving: ‘It was a really challenging day. I was off the pace, I couldn’t identify why. I can definitely feel the improvements we made with the upgrade, but it was a strange Friday. However, I will take this on my shoulders as a driver; I just need to work to understand why I wasn’t as fast as I think we can be’.
Although pleased with the outcome of qualifying, Russell believes he could have done better: ‘I am satisfied with fifth place, as there were moments when it seemed like we might not even make it to Q3. My last lap was a decent effort; I made a small mistake in turn one that probably cost me another position on the grid’.
Next is the sprint race, and the #63 has good prospects, as he stated: ‘Turning to Saturday, we can be encouraged. Except for Qatar, the Sprint Shootout on Saturday morning tends to work out better for us. I will take all those positive aspects and work on finding some more pace’.
