Discussion Thread:
George Russell is fired up after a stellar performance in Sprint Qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, narrowly missing out on pole position by just 0.012 seconds to Max Verstappen. Despite missing the top spot, Russell is feeling optimistic heading into the Sprint race and is eager to fight for the win.
Key Quotes from Russell:
"It was definitely a handful in FP1, but I think we managed to get on top of it."
"If we manage to qualify here in second place... I’m feeling good. I’m just excited to be back in this position. It’s been a little while and this is what excites me about Formula 1 going out there fighting for poles, hopefully fighting for a win tomorrow.”
After a challenging practice session, Russell praised the team for making key improvements, and now he finds himself back on the front row for the first time since Silverstone. It’s clear he’s pumped for the 19-lap Sprint, and many are considering him a strong contender for victory.
Hamilton’s Frustration: Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated in P7 after a quick lap was interrupted by a yellow flag caused by a Williams spin. He felt the car had a lot more potential and praised Mercedes' latest upgrades, which have made the car feel "night and day different" from earlier sessions.
Mercedes’ Performance Boost: Both drivers have acknowledged the significant improvements brought by the upgrades, with Hamilton expressing gratitude to the team’s hard work back at the factory. While Hamilton was disappointed with his starting position, he remains hopeful for a better outcome in the race.
Do you think Russell can convert this front-row start into a Sprint victory? And will Mercedes’ upgrades help both drivers challenge Verstappen? Let’s discuss Mercedes' progress, race strategy, and who might surprise us in tomorrow’s Sprint.