Russell shocked by qualification: 'We're a long way from them'

Mercedes looked hopeful for the Japanese Grand Prix but were painfully beaten in qualifying. While Lewis Hamilton grabbed a sixth starting position, George Russell's time was good for P8. For Russell, this caused disappointment, he told Mercedes' press release.

"P8 is not where we had hoped to be qualifying here in Suzuka," Russell states honestly. "We didn't quite expect to be in the fight with Red Bull and Ferrari, but we are a long way off them. We know our car has a lot of drag and on circuits like this, where you need a lot of downforce but also to be slippery on the straights, we tend to lose out. That's something we are working towards correcting for next year, but it takes time to do so."

Russell hopes Mercedes manages to surprise in the race

In the fight for second place in the world championship, however, Mercedes needs to stay close to Ferrari. With Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz starting in second and third position respectively in Japan, the German formation has a tough task ahead on Sunday.

"Looking ahead to the race, I think we will have stronger pace than we showed today. Our long runs in FP3 were decent, but I am not sure if it will be enough to race the top four tomorrow."