Russell Frustrated with Hamilton’s Outlap in Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying
In a dramatic turn of events during the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, George Russell expressed his frustration over team-mate Lewis Hamilton’s outlap, as both Mercedes drivers vied for the same slipstream. The incident occurred on the first of two runs in the final Q3 shoot-out, where Russell was behind Hamilton on their preparation laps, closely monitoring Alpine driver Esteban Ocon’s approach.
Russell carefully avoided impeding Ocon in the final sector, ensuring he could catch the Alpine’s draft as he turned onto Barcelona’s long main straight, which would provide a valuable top-speed benefit. However, Hamilton had the same strategy, leaving it late to let Ocon pass without compromising his exit speed through the final corner.
“What the f*** was Lewis doing prepping that lap?” – George Russell
After focusing on his run, Russell vented his frustration on the team radio, saying: “What the f*** was Lewis doing prepping that lap?” Later, Russell downplayed the incident, stating that he and his team-mate simply tried to get the same tow.
Fortunately for Russell, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz came streaming past before the final turn, allowing Russell to get a slipstream off the Spaniard instead of Ocon. When asked by Motorsport.com to explain what happened, Russell replied:
“Lewis was quite a long way ahead of me, but I think we both had our eyes on the same driver for a slipstream opening the lap. I was just focusing on my mirrors not to impede Ocon and next time I looked it up Lewis was right in front of me trying to take the tow from Ocon. Obviously, we’re in the moment and when you’re trying to get everything [right], you’re a bit hotheaded. But nothing gained, nothing lost and there was nothing more to it.”
On their second runs, Hamilton and Russell both appeared to confirm Mercedes’ steady stream of upgrades is paying off, narrowly holding both Ferraris at bay to claim third and fourth on the grid respectively. Russell was beaten to third by Hamilton by a mere 0.002s, with the pair ending up three-tenths away from the front row.
He noted that while Mercedes didn’t have enough to challenge either Red Bull’s Max Verstappen or McLaren’s polesitter Lando Norris, the team is in the hunt for a win on Sunday on a circuit where tyre degradation might open up overtaking opportunities.
“Two milliseconds is the biggest gap I’ve had for the last four races to a driver around me, so it’s crazy to think that. Taking the positives as a team, we’re in the mix. Lando did a really great lap. I don’t think Lewis and I really put it together perfectly. I felt like there was maybe two-tenths on the table, but not the gap that we saw to pole. But nevertheless, we are P3 and P4, and in a great place to fight for a win tomorrow.”
Formula 1 news today suggests that Mercedes is on the right track, with their upgrades paying off. The team’s performance in Formula 1 qualifying has placed them in a strong position to fight for a win on Sunday. With tyre degradation expected to play a key role, the stage is set for an exciting race.
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