Russell vouches for 2026 F1 cars again as Mercedes domination continues in China

Photo: Race Pictures

09:37, 13 Mar

byKada Sarkozi

George Russell continued Mercedes' 2026 domination at the Chinese Grand Prix.

"I'm intrigued to know what the lap times are compared to last year because it felt very quick, really cool, and very different to Melbourne."

- George Russell

Russell once again could not be defeated as the British driver stormed to Sprint pole at the Shanghai International Circuit.

After jumping out of his car, the Mercedes driver said: "The car has been feeling amazing. We knew after Melbourne we had a really good car, the engine is performing really well, and today it was a real joy to drive."

The driver also put the journalists to task. "I'm intrigued to know what the lap times are compared to last year because it felt very quick, really cool, and very different to Melbourne."

Today, Russell topped SQ3 with a 1:31.520. Last year, Lewis Hamilton's time in the same session was a 1:30.849.

Photo: Race Pictures

Russell on tomorrow's start

He continued: "Since Melbourne everything we have been working on is just trying to get off the line better. I think we have found some improvements.

"Melbourne was obviously dicier in the opening laps than we would have liked. I guess we'll find out in the morning [what it's like here]."

Follow the aftermath of Sprint Qualifying of the Chinese Grand Prix with GPblog's liveblog here!