Russell sets things straight in Barcelona: 'I feel like my old-self again'

Russell was on the pace from the start of the Formula 1 weekend. The Briton was the fastest man in the first and third free practice sessions and also finished ahead of Antonelli in FP2. He carried that form into qualifying, where he took pole position while his teammate had to settle for third on the grid, three tenths of a second behind.

Afterward, Russell said he felt completely comfortable in the car for the first time in a while. "It's been a great weekend so far. I feel like my old-self again where every lap I'm doing the job, always fighting in those top positions."

The Mercedes driver also referred to the recent races, where things often just went the wrong way, in his view: "The last few races for numerous reasons haven't quite been on our side but I came in this weekend with a clean slate, felt good and it's great to be on pole."

While Mercedes had primarily anticipated a battle with McLaren, an unexpected rival emerged in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton put his Ferrari alongside Russell on the front row: "It's going to be an interesting race tomorrow. Lewis did an amazing job to get up there. That was a real surprise."

Russell had expected McLaren to be the main challenger, but saw Hamilton in the mix for the fastest times throughout qualifying:"We thought the fight was with ourselves and McLaren but Lewis has been quick all this session. I'm sure there will be a fight on our hands, so tomorrow won't be easy but I feel ready."