George Russell: It's unlikely we could have achieved more.

George Russell: It's unlikely we could have achieved more.

      George Russell set the 5th fastest time in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, while Kimi Antonelli will start the Austrian Grand Prix from 9th position. Overall, the Mercedes cars’ pace on Saturday was affected by the hot weather.

      George Russell (5th): "I believe that was our maximum; I don’t feel we could have achieved more. Ultimately, we are well aware of our car’s strengths and weaknesses, and when it’s hot on tracks with abrasive surfaces and fast corners, we start to struggle. In contrast, teams like McLaren really thrive here.

      Of course, Lando did a great job today to take pole, but our fifth place is pretty much what we expected.

      As for the incident in the pit lane, when you’re in the cockpit of a Formula 1 car, visibility is always a challenge, there are significant blind spots, and you can’t see much in the mirrors. So you just have to rely on the information your team gives you. And when everyone heads out of the pits at the same time, it’s hard to avoid problems. But I don’t think there will be any consequences in this case.

      Looking ahead to the race, I foresee Max Verstappen fighting his way forward, and at best we’ll battle with Ferrari. But I’m sure tomorrow’s race will feel like a long one for us."

      Kimi Antonelli (9th): "At the end of qualifying I simply didn’t have time to start my second run – of course, I’m upset. I kept pushing and the lap could have been good; I definitely had a shot at a top-six position, but unfortunately I was too late to begin my attempt.

      Still, we have to keep working to try to make up as many places as possible tomorrow. Hopefully we can manage that; it definitely won’t be easy, but since the car is capable of good pace, we can move forward."

Other articles

Verstappen: In qualifying, the speed just disappeared. Verstappen: In qualifying, the speed just disappeared. Max Verstappen was forced to abort his decisive flying lap in the third sector of the final qualifying session in Spielberg due to double yellow flags that were waved after Pierre Gasly spun in the last corner. As a result, the reigning world champion finished seventh in the session standings. 5:30 PM MSK: Live broadcast of the second stage of the REC season 5:30 PM MSK: Live broadcast of the second stage of the REC season Today, the SPORSTSA Grand Prix—the second round of the Russian Endurance Championship (REC) season—will take place at the Moscow Raceway circuit in the Moscow region. Horner: There is too much talk surrounding Max. Horner: There is too much talk surrounding Max. Christian Horner is unhappy that the press continues to discuss the possibility of Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes. Leclerc: In the race, our car is better than in qualifying. Leclerc: In the race, our car is better than in qualifying. Charles Leclerc set the second fastest time in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix, half a second behind pole sitter Lando Norris. The Ferrari driver hopes that on Sunday he will be able to challenge the McLaren rivals for the victory. Formula 2: The Saturday sprint was won by Pepe Marti. Formula 2: The Saturday sprint was won by Pepe Marti. The Saturday F2 sprint at the Red Bull Ring was not without incidents, but in the end, a well-deserved victory went to Pepe Martí, the Spanish driver of the Red Bull junior program... Photo Gallery: 28/06. Austrian Grand Prix, Saturday Photo Gallery: 28/06. Austrian Grand Prix, Saturday © F1News.Ru Editorial Office 1997-2025. Media Registration Certificate No. FS77-29173. Registered by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media.

George Russell: It's unlikely we could have achieved more.

George Russell qualified fifth at the Red Bull Ring, while Kimi Antonelli will start the Austrian Grand Prix from ninth position, and overall, the pace of the Mercedes cars on Saturday was affected by the hot weather...