George Russell has acknowledged “we have got to recollect what our objective this weekend is”, as Mercedes eye the runner-up spot within the Groups’ Championship forward of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Briton will start Sunday’s 57-lap race at the Lusail International Circuit from fourth on the grid, having began and completed P2 within the weekend’s earlier Dash, ending between the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Mercedes sit 41 factors forward of Crimson Bull within the Groups’ standings and would require a margin of solely 44 to ensure second within the standings forward of Abu Dhabi.
“Probably not as a result of it is so tight on the market,” mentioned Russell when requested if he was stunned to be crushed by Max Verstappen in Qualifying.
“We knew it was going to be tight, my lap yesterday was possibly barely higher than the one at present so it’s annoying to overlook out on P3 by such a small margin however we have got to recollect what our objective this weekend is and that is to complete P2 within the Constructors’. Between Kimi and I, we’re in place to realize that.”
With drivers required to make a minimal of two pit stops within the Grand Prix attributable to a 25-lap restrict on all Pirelli tyres, Russell was hopeful of pushing the 2 McLarens and Verstappen forward.
“The tempo did look robust within the Dash, up there with Lando and Max,” he added. “I feel Max had a bit extra tyre put on than we did after we noticed the pictures of his tyres.
“Let’s examine if we will transfer ahead, I am certain these guys shall be pushing full fuel however luckily the technique is outlined for us.”
Group mate Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately behind Russell having completed the Dash in P6 and was happier with a cleaner Qualifying generally.
“Positively was a giant enchancment in comparison with yesterday,” he mentioned.
“I am not too pleased concerning the final lap in Q3, I had a giant second in Flip 1 and simply misplaced fairly a little bit of time and simply misplaced momentum to be truthful.
“The lap was a bit scrappy, however total nonetheless P5 and lot to play for tomorrow.”
