Russell completed simply eight milliseconds from getting into Q3 final Saturday on the Purple Bull Ring, and was in rivalry for factors within the race earlier than an influence unit challenge compelled him to retire.
However the British driver put that frustration behind at present as he struggled to enter Q3 for the primary time in Williams’ colours, leaving out. Carlos Sainz, from Ferrari, within the final bars of Q2.
Russell was ninth after the primary few runs of Q2, however the determination to change to the medium tire, which was slower in concept than the gentle one, didn’t price him as he improved his time and moved on to Q3.
The Williams driver was capable of qualify ninth, but it surely appears he’ll begin eighth as Sebastian Vettel was sanctioned for blocking Fernando Alonso.
“It actually felt like pole position for us,” Russell mentioned within the Purple Bull Ring paddock after qualifying.
“Moving into Q3 is one factor, however doing it on the medium tire is large.”
“Clearly, we had been debating earlier than the session in what order we do Q2, if it’s gentle first adopted by center, or vice versa. However we had been very satisfied that we didn’t wish to be within the high 10 with gentle.”
“Getting it’s virtually like a pole position, and it’s most likely probably the most thrilling factor I’ve had since I final gained a race.”
Additionally learn:
George Russell, Williams FW43B
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Russell’s result’s for Williams the primary time in a Q3 because the 2018 Italian Grand Prix, whereas for the British driver it was the second time after qualifying second when he changed Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes on the Sakhir GP of the yr. previous.
Williams will enter the race on Sunday looking for his first factors because the 2019 German GP, and with an actual likelihood to attempt to beat each Haas and Alfa Romeo within the constructors’ championship.
Russell was optimistic in regards to the group’s probabilities, believing that surrounding automobiles that come out on the gentle compound tire could have a more durable time.
“If we had achieved that final outing on the gentle, it could have been actually robust, as a result of like I mentioned, we don’t suppose we wished to be on that gentle tire,” Russell mentioned.
“We’re in an unbelievable position with the AlphaTauri forward of us on the gentle, (Lance) Stroll and possibly Sebastian behind us on the gentle as properly.”
“We expect that tire goes to be disastrous within the race. It appears like they know one thing that we don’t. Let’s hope they don’t.”
“Now we have the flexibleness to do no matter we wish with the technique, whereas I believe these guys are fairly tight.”
Russell’s efficiency got here on the identical day that Mercedes introduced that Lewis Hamilton would stay with the group for two extra years.
Russell is now in a direct combat with present Hamilton teammate Valtteri Bottas for the second Mercedes seat, having been a part of the group’s junior driver program since 2017.
However Russell mentioned he didn’t bear in mind the choice Mercedes is about to make as he pursued his place in Q3.
“Concerning the timing, it’s not even on my thoughts,” Russell mentioned.
“I’m simply out week after week, I simply wish to present what I can do to everybody and myself, Williams and Mercedes, and I hope this simply provides to that.”
Gallery: George Russell’s photographs on the Austrian F1 GP
Click on on the arrows to scroll by means of the pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
1/21
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
2/21
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
3/21
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
4/21
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
5/21
Foto de: Steven Tee / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
6/21
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
7/21
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
8/21
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams FW43B
9/21
Foto de: Steven Tee / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
10/21
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
11/21
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
12/21
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
13/21
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren in the course of the press convention
14/21
Photograph de: FIA Pool
George Russell, Williams in the course of the press convention
15/21
Photograph de: FIA Pool
George Russell, Williams in the course of the press convention
16/21
Photograph de: FIA Pool
George Russell, Williams in the course of the press convention
17/21
Photograph de: FIA Pool
George Russell, Williams
18/21
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
19/21
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
20/21
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
George Russell, Williams
21/21
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Pictures
Add Comment