Russell disappointed not to be on pole position
Following a perfect qualifying session, George Russell will start second on the grid to everyone's surprise, behind Verstappen. An unexpected result even though the British driver had hoped to secure pole position.

Mercedes caused a sensation in these qualifications by securing the second and third positions on the grid. George Russell will therefore start on the front row alongside Max Verstappen and hopes to seize his opportunity fully. It’s a result the British driver didn’t expect.
“I wasn’t expecting that! What a ride for us, the car was alive,” the British man emphasized.
Since the beginning of the weekend, the Mercedes appears to be very comfortable at Albert Park. It’s confirmed by this result, but George Russell nevertheless hoped to secure the second pole position of his career: “I am disappointed to not have obtained the pole position. It’s one of the things that make your expectations change so quickly in this sport,” he declares.
For the first time this season, Mercedes is in a position to win. Just yesterday, the Mercedes drivers were hoping for a good result, but not to this extent. Yesterday, we would have been happy to finish among the top four. This shows that we still have potential, clarifies Russell. With the two Mercedes behind him, Max Verstappen will have to work hard to hold off the two Britons, especially since he won’t be able to rely on Sergio Pérez who will start last tomorrow.