Mercedes’ George Russell has stated he “definitely” could not have taken pole position in sprint qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, after setting his final lap earlier than rivals and watching track conditions improve for those still running. Russell finished fifth, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and an unexpected Nico Hulkenberg—all ahead after nailing later runs.
Hulkenberg’s fourth-place effort was a “real surprise” for Russell, who congratulated the Stake driver on making his first Q3 appearance of the season. “Nico did an amazing lap to go P4. That was a real surprise, so congrats to him,” Russell said post-session. He added that Mercedes typically finds itself fighting near the front on good days, but “on the bad days, we’re P5—and today wasn’t a good day.”
Despite qualifying struggles—especially with the car’s performance in high-speed sections—Russell remains optimistic for the race, suggesting the W16 is stronger over a distance. “We have a better race car than we do qualifying car,” he admitted, pointing to improved pace when running higher ride heights and lower speeds.
Russell expects to be “sort of in the fight for P4” in the sprint and main race, putting hopes on Mercedes’ strengths coming through in race conditions rather than one-lap speed.
Mercedes’ George Russell has stated he “definitely” could not have taken pole position in sprint qualifying at the United States Grand Prix, after setting his final lap earlier than rivals and watching track conditions improve for those still running. Russell finished fifth, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and an unexpected Nico Hulkenberg—all ahead after nailing later runs.
Hulkenberg’s fourth-place effort was a “real surprise” for Russell, who congratulated the Stake driver on making his first Q3 appearance of the season. “Nico did an amazing lap to go P4. That was a real surprise, so congrats to him,” Russell said post-session. He added that Mercedes typically finds itself fighting near the front on good days, but “on the bad days, we’re P5—and today wasn’t a good day.”
Despite qualifying struggles—especially with the car’s performance in high-speed sections—Russell remains optimistic for the race, suggesting the W16 is stronger over a distance. “We have a better race car than we do qualifying car,” he admitted, pointing to improved pace when running higher ride heights and lower speeds.
Russell expects to be “sort of in the fight for P4” in the sprint and main race, putting hopes on Mercedes’ strengths coming through in race conditions rather than one-lap speed.
