Russell had 'the opportunity to do something extraordinary'

This was the main question of the last phase of qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday. On a track where a drying trajectory had appeared, but where significant puddles also persisted (notably in the first two turns), was a driver going to take all the risks by wearing Slicks? Only one has attempted this bet and, unsurprisingly, it is George Russell.

The Briton was not his first attempt, as he recalled after this session: “In Sochi last year we did it with Williams and we qualified P3, it doesn't take much for that to change. » With this example in mind, the one who is now at Mercedes since the start of the season aimed “something extraordinary. » “If I had stayed on the inters, I would have qualified third or fourth, which, I grant you, is not a bad result. However, in such a scenario, you have the opportunity to do something extraordinary and go for pole. » 

Spins at turn 2

In 2021, Russell took advantage of difficult weather conditions on two occasions to achieve unexpected results in his modest Williams. In Russia, therefore, but also at Spa-Francorchamps where he was to start in second position in a race which ultimately never took place. This time, the Slicks’ daring gamble did not work. From its first lap on this rubber, the Mercedes lacked grip and spun from the second corner. After this mishap, the Englishman was never able to get his tires up to temperature.

However, the pilot was not disappointed at having taken this risk. "I'm not really, Russell said. Glad I went, glad I tried, obviously it didn't go as planned today but that's what you have to do sometimes. » Russell will start in eighth position on the starting grid for the Canadian Grand Prix this Sunday at 20 p.m.

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