Russell enjoys ‘big step forward’ with P4 in tricky Hungary Qualifying as Antonelli reflects on ‘annoying’ session

George Russell was pleasantly surprised to come away with fourth position during Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, in a session where track conditions appeared to move in Mercedes’ favour.

After a baking hot final practice session, dark clouds approached the Hungaroring circuit before Qualifying, with temperatures dropping – and wind levels playing more of a role – as the Q1, Q2 and Q3 phases passed by.

On a weekend where Mercedes have reverted to an older suspension set-up, Russell managed to secure safe passage to the pole position shootout and ultimately finish just half a tenth away from P1 man Charles Leclerc.

Asked to sum up his Qualifying session, Russell said: “I think as always, if you’re P4 and half a tenth off, it’s always like, ‘What if?’, and I made a bit of a mistake.

“It was a really weird session – everybody went so much slower in Q3. I’m not going to kick myself too much because I went a tenth slower and the majority went about three- or four-tenths slower.

“P4, compared to yesterday and this morning, is clearly a big step forward.”

Asked if he is now feeling confused about what might be possible for Mercedes on Sunday, he added: “I think confused is maybe not the right word. It’s just like you have no idea.

“The track by the end of Q3 was 37 degrees, but 20 minutes before Qualifying it was 55 degrees. That’s going to play a huge role in our performance.

“I hope I can fight with Charles at least, but the Astons look surprisingly strong too.”

Russell’s team mate, Kimi Antonelli, had to watch Q3 from the sidelines after dropping out in the Q2 phase – the Italian rookie winding up 11th but dropping to 15th when his time was deleted for exceeding track limits.

“I don’t know, the last lap I had no rear-end – the grip was completely gone,” he said of his early exit. “Already from Turn 1 I had a massive slide and then it just went worse and worse during the lap.

“I don’t really know what to say. Obviously it’s quite annoying because the confidence was good. Once again, things didn’t go our way.”

As for his chances in the race, he said: “Definitely the car was better and it gave me the confidence, which was nice. That’s why today is very annoying, because definitely the pace was there, and it’s just a shame that we weren’t able to show it.”