F1 star George Russell: Simple explanation for qualifying debacle in Austin

The big question on everyone’s lips in the paddock in Austin – and amongst all Formula 1 fans – is: Can Kimi Antonelli clinch the world championship title right here at the challenging Circuit of the Americas, thereby becoming the youngest champion in Formula 1 history? The young Italian has certainly put himself in the best possible position to win.

In qualifying, he set the fastest lap at the crucial moment, securing the seventh pole position of his still-young Formula 1 career. His team-mate and closest rival in the World Championship battle had less cause for celebration: George Russell could only manage sixth place in the final qualifying segment. The Briton was understandably hard on himself when he stepped in front of the TV cameras after the qualifying session.

“To be honest, I simply put in two bad laps in Q3 – it’s as simple as that,” the 28-year-old admitted candidly. He explained: “I still felt good in the first sector, but when we got into the slower sections, it became difficult for me, and I just couldn’t manage to put a good lap together.”

George Russell: The weather played a big part

“I’m not quite sure what happened in the final corners. But I don’t think anyone managed to improve on their final lap. The weather certainly played a part in that. It was cloudy at first, then the sun broke through the cloud cover and the temperatures rose straight away. And it makes a huge difference whether you hit the tyres’ operating window in the third sector or not. But the truth is also that my first Q3 lap simply wasn’t good enough,” continued the eight-time Grand Prix winner.

However, Russell doesn’t want to give up hope of a good result in the race. “It’s going to be a long race, in which strategy will play a major role. Incidents usually occur here that change the course of the Grand Prix. So we’ll be looking for opportunities to move further up the field. Our pace in race trim was relatively strong on Friday, which is encouraging. We’ll definitely be giving it our all to score a good haul of points.”

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