Russell Expresses Frustration After P2 Qualifying in Mexico

George Russell will take the second spot on the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix, but the Mercedes driver admitted he still feels frustrated after a tight qualifying session that saw Lewis Hamilton lock out pole. Per Formula1.com, Russell said the team’s pace was “not where it should be” and that the tyre strategy used in Q2 was a key factor in his drop from the front row. He added that the car’s handling felt a little “off” during the final laps, which left him feeling unsettled heading into the race.

In Q2, Russell’s best lap was 1:24.152, just 0.027 seconds slower than Hamilton’s pole time of 1:24.125. The difference, while small, was enough to push him down to second place on the grid. Mercedes’ technical director confirmed that the team is investigating the tyre degradation issue that may have cost Russell a faster lap. The driver noted that the car’s front‑wing settings seemed to be a bit too soft, which made the steering feel heavy at the start of the lap.

Despite the disappointment, Russell remains optimistic about the race. He said the car’s performance over the weekend has improved, and he believes the team can still challenge for a podium. The driver also highlighted the importance of a clean start, especially in a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult. “I’m confident we can get a good position out of the start, and then we’ll see how the race plays out,” he told reporters.

For Indian fans, the Mexico City GP will be live on FanCode from 1:00 PM IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The race is scheduled to begin at 12:00 UTC, so tune in early to catch the action. Mercedes’ performance in Mexico could have implications for the championship standings, making it a must‑watch event for fans across the country.

Source: Formula1.com