After a highly competitive SQ3, George Russell finished in fifth position after initially setting the benchmark lap. Russell said he had “not been so comfortable” when talking to the media after Sprint Qualifying at the Miami GP. Russell’s teammate, Kimi Antonelli, claimed his maiden pole position, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s previous record of the youngest driver ever to claim an F1 pole position in any format.
The British driver is yet to finish outside of the top five this season, showing promising pace in the Mercedes after taking over the number one driver role. However, Russell has since said to the media that he has been “a little bit off the pace” in today’s Sprint Qualifying at the Miami GP.
Russell praises Antonelli after maiden Pole Position.
George Russell was quick to praise his teammate Kimi Antonelli after achieving his first Pole Position in Sprint Qualifying at the Miami GP.
“Firstly massive congrats to Kimi – really pleased to see [that]. He did an amazing job, he’s been really quick all day, really impressive,” Russell stated to the media.
Although Russell was disappointed about his performance and finishing position, he still showed enthusiasm for the team and his teammate Antonelli.
“But as I said, it’s Sprint [Qualifying] today – obviously disappointing not to be further up the grid, but really happy for Kimi.”
Russell “struggling” for pace
Although he has had a strong start to the 2025 season, sitting fourth in the World Drivers Championship, Russell stated he has felt “off the pace” during this weekend in Miami. After opting to run long, Russell explained that he and the team were hoping for a late red or yellow flag after not having the “confidence”.
“I’ve been struggling a little bit today, a little bit off the pace, not been so comfortable and we just wanted to go on the early side because ultimately I didn’t quite have that confidence, and we thought maybe if there’s a red or a yellow [flag] at the end of the session it would come our way. But P5 today, not great – more to improve, but amazing for Kimi and the team.”
Russell admitted to struggling for pace during Sprint Qualifying, but when speaking to the media remained optimistic about turning things around for the remainder of the Miami GP weekend.
“These Sprint race weekends are challenging. If you get in the groove early, you can just build from there, and just all day today I haven’t quite felt it in the car, especially the tyres sliding around a bit.”
Russell will be hoping to capitalise on Saturday’s Sprint Race before the Grand Prix Qualifying session. With an ever evolving street circuit like Miami, Russell and Mercedes will be hoping to find pace during Saturday’s events.
