George Russell: Qualifying Was Going Well Until Q3

Pulse Sports Team 23:54 - 24 October 2026

George Russell endured a frustrating qualifying session ahead of the United States Grand Prix, managing only sixth on the grid as teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position at Circuit of the Americas.

The Briton took full responsibility for his result, admitting he put together two poor laps during the decisive pole shootout. Highlighting his struggles in Q3, his fastest effort in the second segment was quicker than the lap that ultimately left him down in sixth.

"To be honest, qualifying was going well until we reached Q3. If I'm completely frank, I just put in two poor laps, and that's why we ended up in this position. Kimi did a fantastic job. "I think I could have been in the top three. My lap in Q2 was two and a half tenths faster than what I managed in Q3. Clearly, that just wasn't good enough from my side," Russell remarked. "I think it's going to be a long race, and plenty can happen here in Austin. Strategy will also play a major role, so there are still opportunities for us," he added.