George Russell Qualifies 5th at Silverstone, Baffled by Ferrari's 0.357s Pace Edge
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 3
George Russell Qualifies 5th at Silverstone, Baffled by Ferrari's 0.357s Pace Edge
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 3
Summary
0.357 seconds separated George Russell from sprint pole at Silverstone, leaving the Mercedes driver only fifth behind Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari's speed was the surprise: Russell said the team had been on the "back foot" on power unit and energy management, yet "have had the upper hand all day" at a track where he expected Mercedes to be stronger.
0.011 seconds denied Antonelli pole after his final SQ3 lap, but the championship leader said the car felt good and welcomed the challenge from an in-form Hamilton.
Saturday's 17-lap sprint now offers Russell a chance to limit damage after his Austria win cut Antonelli's standings lead to 40 points, while home favorite Lando Norris starts only sixth.