George Russell Questions 'Not Fair Assessment' After Sky F1 Query on Vegas Qualifying
George Russell revealed a power steering issue in Q3 of Las Vegas GP qualifying, which he believes cost him a shot at pole position. He disagreed with Sky F1's query regarding his pre-qualifying McLaren assessment, asserting his car's strong pace in earlier sessions and the impact of the mechanical problem on his P4 finish, highlighting the tough conditions and Lando Norris's pole.
George Russell's Mercedes faced a power steering issue in Q3 during Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying, sidelining him from a potential pole position battle. Russell pushed back against Sky F1's suggestion that his pre-qualifying assessment of McLaren's struggles proved incorrect, citing his car's issue as a key factor in his P4 finish, with Lando Norris ultimately securing pole.
Why it matters:
Russell's assertion that a power steering problem hampered his Q3 performance highlights the fine margins in Formula 1 qualifying, especially in challenging conditions. It suggests that Mercedes' underlying pace might have been stronger than his final position indicated, potentially shifting expectations for the race itself and adding another layer to the competitive dynamic between front-running teams.
The Details:
- Challenging Conditions: Qualifying in Las Vegas was exceptionally difficult due to heavy rain, low temperatures, and standing water on the street circuit, making grip scarce. Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, was eliminated in Q1.
- Q3 Power Steering Issue: Russell reported a significant power steering problem in Q3, making the car difficult to control and preventing him from setting a faster lap. He expressed surprise at finishing P4 given the severity of the issue, stating he considered stopping the car.
- Pre-Qualifying Assessment: Earlier in the weekend, Russell had downplayed McLaren's chances, suggesting the Las Vegas circuit's characteristics (cold, C5 tires, low downforce, similar to Montreal and Baku) would hinder them. He believed Red Bull would have a better chance.
- Response to Sky F1: When confronted with McLaren's pole position, Russell deemed the assessment 'not fair,' emphasizing that Mercedes was quickest in FP3, Q1, and Q2 before his Q3 issue. He acknowledged Lando Norris's 'amazing job' in difficult conditions but felt his own opportunity was 'taken away' at a crucial moment.
- Driver Consensus on Conditions: Several drivers, including Oliver Bearman, Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto, described the Las Vegas qualifying conditions as among the most challenging of their careers. Russell, however, likened them to the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, noting the unique demands of tires not designed for such a circuit.
The Big Picture:
This incident underscores how critical car reliability and perfect execution are in competitive F1 sessions. While McLaren secured pole, Russell's comments suggest Mercedes had genuine pole potential before the technical glitch. The unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas circuit, combined with adverse weather, created a highly volatile qualifying session where small errors or mechanical issues had amplified consequences.
What's next:
Russell will start P4, alongside Oscar Piastri, in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite the qualifying setback, a strong race pace and strategic execution could still see him challenge for a podium finish. The focus will be on resolving any lingering power steering issues and leveraging Mercedes' underlying performance in what promises to be a challenging race on a demanding circuit.