Russell ‘buzzing’ after splitting McLarens but staying realistic

While delighted to have split the two McLarens in qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix, George Russell believes it will be a tall order to get the better of both in the race.

Oscar Piastri secured the first grand prix pole position of his career on Saturday, beating teammate Lando Norris who was provisionally second in Q3. Russell then secured a front row start with his final attempt and admits the lap surprised him after struggling to get his tires in the right working window.

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“It feels incredible, to be honest,” Russell said. “It was one of the hardest quali sessions I've done in a long, long time and I was trying all sorts with my preparation, with the tires, and nothing seemed to be clicking. We did something totally different on that last lap and it just all came alive and the lap was awesome. Just so, so happy to be P2.

“I was going fast on the out lap, slow on the out lap, prepping the out lap… and the last one was a bit of a roll of the dice. Had a big moment at Turn 1, but it just all came together and I was really surprised when I crossed the line. I knew it was a good lap, but to see that I was between the McLarens! Just buzzing and looking forward to tomorrow.”

Although Russell will only have one car in front of him on the grid, and Lewis Hamilton won the Sprint as Piastri could only finish second, the Mercedes driver is concerned he won’t have the pace to fight with McLaren.

“It's going to be tough. I think the medium tire in the Sprint was really difficult. I think most drivers will start on that at the front of the field tomorrow, and then the hard, no one's run all weekend.

“So nobody knows right now if it's going to be a one- or a two-stop. We know that McLaren are going to be quick, but we'll be doing everything to try and stay where we are or try and jump ahead of them. Should be a lot of fun.

“I think [beating McLaren] would be a bit of a stretch. It was a really difficult race this morning. I do think they're still a step ahead of everybody. Ferrari were a real surprise in the Sprint, but tomorrow’s a different game. And we've got the hard tire nobody’s run yet so I expect a slightly different outcome.”