George Russell issues warning to Lando Norris ahead of British GP sprint showdown

Russell at Silverstone — Photo: © LAT Images

British Grand Prix

Russell issues warning to Norris ahead of British GP sprint showdown

Russell made it back-to-back Q3 appearances for Williams

Sam Hall

Friday 16 July 2021 21:29 Updated: 21:39

George Russell has warned Lando Norris he is to go on all-out attack when the duo line up directly behind one another in F1's first sprint race.

Russell recorded only his second Q3 appearance with Williams, backing up the pace he showed in Austria a fortnight ago to qualify on the fourth row for the 17-lap, 100-kilometre event.

The Briton, who will discover if he is to partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2022 season during the summer shutdown, starts eighth behind sixth-placed Lando Norris in his McLaren.

"If Lando's cautious then we've got to attack haven't we," said Russell.

"He's in a different position to me because, with himself and the car, they're fighting for the top 10 week in week out .

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"But we only get into this position by putting absolutely everything on the table so we've got to continue it and we've got to keep on pushing.

"So if I see an opportunity I'm going for it."

Speaking directly to Norris, and with a smile, he warned: "You're starting directly ahead of me so I'm going to be trying to launch it directly down the inside."

Russell feels the Silverstone roar

After reaching Q3 last time out in Austria, Russell set the slowest time of the segment but this time was able to lap faster than Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel.

Asked of the benefit of the home support, he said: "Damon [Hill] said it was worth a second. I thought he was lying but after today I'm not too sure.

"For sure it gives you lap time just because you're more motivated, you're more excited. You've just got that extra spring in your step.

"For sure it definitely helps and you feel like you've got a sense of responsibility to perform for them.

"For me personally, having friends and family here who haven't been to a race in almost two years now, it's that pressure it adds which I guess we thrive off."