George Russell admits he was shocked to safe pole place on the Singapore Grand Prix after struggling early within the weekend, however is cautious of Max Verstappen’s menace firstly.
McLaren was anticipated to return to type in Singapore however it was Mercedes that set the tempo in qualifying, with Russell finishing two spectacular laps that have been each adequate for pole place. That got here regardless of a crash in FP2 on Friday, and Russell says he needed to work exhausting to seek out the efficiency he wanted on Saturday.
- QUALIFYING REPORT: Russell edges Verstappen for Singapore GP pole
“Superb to be on pole place,” Russell stated. “Yesterday was a really difficult day for a lot of totally different causes, however it’s good to return again and get a great outcome at present. After all, there’s a protracted, sweaty race tomorrow, however I knew there was potential within the automobile.
“Kimi [Antonelli] was doing an incredible job all weekend, and I really gained quite a bit from seeing what he was able to doing yesterday afternoon. So very joyful to be on pole – it was nice.
“Some weekends you simply hit the bottom operating a bit sooner. Different instances you don’t. I’ve discovered this weekend fairly unusual. The grip has been actually excessive from the tarmac, however the automobiles have been sliding quite a bit. It feels a bit harking back to Miami, the place it is actually excessive grip however the automobile is sliding.
“I simply did not have a lot confidence in myself, and clearly the crash yesterday set me again once more. However I all the time kind of remind myself, it does not matter what occurs on Friday. It is Q3 when it counts.”
Russell admits he was predicting a powerful McLaren heading into the race weekend, fairly than securing a front-row begin alongside title outsider Verstappen.
“We all know the McLarens are often exceptionally good on their tires within the scorching circumstances. I feel we have all been somewhat bit shocked at their kind of lack of tempo this weekend. We have been most likely all anticipating them to run away with it, and we actually didn’t anticipate being within the battle for pole place right here.
“So, unsure going into tomorrow. I am the one driver who hasn’t carried out a long term, so that does not play into my favor. However, after all, overtaking is difficult right here. Races have been a little bit of a one-stop not too long ago, however now with the 80 km/h velocity restrict within the pit lane, it most likely brings it nearer to a two now.
“Singapore has not been the kindest to me previously, and that is been by my very own doing nearly all of the time. So I am not going to get carried away with this pole place. After all, it is the most effective place to start out. There is a good pole-side benefit right here, so I would prefer to suppose I can maintain the lead into Flip 1, however clearly, this man on my left [Verstappen] is fairly good at race begins and sending it down the within. So I will be retaining a watch.”
