Russell stunned after crushing rivals by colossal margin at Australia GP

Photo: Race Pictures

08:03, 07 Mar

bySamson Ero

George Russell admitted he was surprised by the gap he created over the first non-Mercedes car during qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.

“I also think we've got a really amazing car beneath us…”

- George Russell

Russell stormed to pole with a lap time nearly eight-tenths faster than the fastest non-Mercedes competitor, a margin that even he found unexpected at Albert Park. Speaking at the post-qualifying press conference, he highlighted how the weather conditions played a role in the impressive lap times.

“Definitely, I think the conditions also came into our favour. We know we're better in these cooler conditions, and as the track temperature dropped, we always seemed to find more lap time,” Russell began.

George Russell claimed pole position at the Australian Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

The 28-year-old went on to praise both the engine and the overall car developed by the Mercedes team.

“I think we've got a really great engine beneath us. However, I also think we've got a really amazing car beneath us, which probably hasn't been highlighted enough in the press these past few weeks. From me and Kimi’s [Antonelli] perspective, the car felt great to drive.”

“We're enjoying the smaller, lighter cars, and they’re a perfect way to start Melbourne,” Russell concluded.

Russell secured pole with a lap time of 1:18.518, over two-tenths ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, and almost eight-tenths faster than Isack Hadjar, in the Red Bull, who was the third-fastest driver of the session.

Follow every post-qualifying reaction from Albert Park here.

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