George Russell reveals reason behind losing pole position to Max Verstappen for Qatar GP

Regarding the lost pole position in Qatar, George Russell pointed out that he ran too wide and went out on gravel. The Briton believed that this was the reason for not improving pace against Verstappen. Moreover, Russell noted that the lap was ‘hairy’, just two corners before starting the final fast lap. Regardless, the 26-year-old will have a great shot at moving up the pecking order at the Qatar GP.

I ended up going through the gravel [after coming up behind Verstappen], maybe that’s the reason we didn’t improve. It was a hairy one, two corners before we started our lap.

George Russell said in a post-session interview

George Russell ‘surprised’ with Red Bull’s massive turnaround in performance

Max Verstappen struggled throughout the weekend with pace at the Lusail circuit and couldn’t score good points in the Sprint. However, the Dutchman scored a massive turnaround in qualifying that surprised the grid. George Russell reckoned that witnessing the Red Bulls in the top 10 was quite a surprise. Also, the 26-year-old hoped to have a better outing in Qatar rather than botched team orders.

Hopefully we can have a good race rather than this team orders stuff, and it’s a surprise the turn around of Red Bull after yesterday and to have both in the top 10.

George Russell added

Red Bull seems far off in the constructors championship amidst failing performances. However, the team is still mathematically in contention as they will give it their all. Mercedes is also looking extremely strong throughout the weekend as Russell would aim to score consecutive race wins in the 2024 season.