George Russell expressed confidence following an impressive qualifying performance, finishing just a tenth off pole position, which places him in a strong position as he eyes a potential podium finish at his home race. While he acknowledges the struggles faced earlier in the season during the first two quarters, his recent pace suggests a turnaround for the team.
“Getting through Q1 and Q2 was a struggle, but I would have definitely taken being only 20 milliseconds from the front row,” Russell remarked. He recognizes that race day conditions are likely to mirror those seen during qualifying, which presents a promising opportunity for a competitive race.
Looking ahead to the race, Russell believes he is well within striking distance for a podium. However, he anticipates tough competition, estimating that there could be as many as six cars in contention for the top positions. He noted the favorable conditions that contributed to their qualifying performance but cautioned that while they showed well, they haven’t completely closed the gap to the front-runners.
Russell concluded by noting that it could be a tightly contested race, especially after a challenging qualifying session for rivals like Ferrari, who struggled in the final moments. With a mix of optimism and caution, he remains hopeful for a strong finish.
The anticipation surrounding the race reflects the excitement within the Formula 1 community, making this an event to watch, especially with home support on the line for Russell and the team.