Russell: We talk a lot about McLaren, but what about that really strong Red Bull?

09:45, 04 May

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell is referred to as Mr. Saturday in F1 often, due to his strength in qualifying. However, in Miami, he did not live up to his name, something the Briton fails to understand why.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Russell summerised his qualifying struggles, which become more evident when compared to his young teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli's performance.

"It was really tough to be honest. Qualifying has been a real strength this season, but clearly whatever has been working so well does not work in Miami. So I need to review that."

"Kimi's been doing an amazing job," the British driver applauds his teammate's P1 and P3 in the two qualifying sessions held this weekend.

"He drives in a slightly different way and I think that's just putting the tyres in a nicer window to extract the lap time. Something that's been working well for me so far, but not this weekend. Worst quali of the year, P5. Points are tomorrow."

We talk a lot about McLaren, but what about that really strong Red Bull Racing?

"I think the race is a totally different story, to be honest. It's really, really unique out there. It's hot, the tyres are really soft and it doesn't take a lot to be in that window or out and it's just strange that this weekend I've constantly been out of it."

Where Russell had often singled out McLaren as being the dominant car in the F1 grid, the Briton now sets his sights on the 'really strong' Red Bull Racing.

"Realistically the McLarens are out of reach. Max's race pace has been surprisingly good recently. We talk a lot about the McLaren's but Red Bull are still really strong. Hopefully a bit more rain [comes during the race] and spices up the race."