Frustrated Russell makes vow after "terrible lap" costs pole chance
Russell was on par with Verstappen before an error at the end of Q3
A frustrated George Russell has conceded a "terrible lap" cost Mercedes its second pole position of the season but vowed to "go for it" at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Briton will start Sunday's race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez second to Max Verstappen after a thrilling qualifying session in which Mercedes was finally able to challenge Red Bull throughout.
Russell was on course to push the Dutchman all the way before a mistake at the entry to the Foro Sol stadium at turn 12 saw him run wide, costing him any chance of improving on his final lap and leaving the Briton three-tenths adrift.
"The team deserved more today," said Russell.
"They have produced a really great car this weekend and I think it is a testament to them for the hard work they have been putting in for so long.
"We saw last week with Lewis what the car was capable of and I feel this weekend, it was our pole to have.
"It was just a terrible lap from my side, so I am kicking myself.
"But at the end of the day no points for qualifying and excited to be back on the front row."
The polesitter in Mexico has failed to secure a podium finish since 2016, with the run down to turn one from the grid, the longest of the season, providing those behind qualifying's fastest driver with a slipstreaming opportunity.
On his prospects into turn one, Russell insisted: "We will go for it for sure, let's see what is possible."
Related
More F1 news
Latest F1 news
Recommended by the editors
Austrian Grand Prix
F1 Practice Today: Austrian Grand Prix 2026 start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream
F1 News & Gossip
Fernando Alonso 'leaning towards' big decision on his F1 future
Lewis Hamilton
How Lewis Hamilton survived late FIA inspection to keep Barcelona Grand Prix victory
Austrian Grand Prix
Mercedes bring Austrian Grand Prix upgrades after Lewis Hamilton 'reality check'
Races
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2026
-
Grand Prix of China 2026
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Bahrain 2026
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026
-
Miami Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2026
-
Grand Prix De Monaco 2026
-
Gran Premio de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2026
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2026
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2026
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2026
-
Dutch Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2026
-
Gran Premio de España 2026
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2026
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2026
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2026
-
Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2026
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2026
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Editorial & corporate information
Avenue HQ
10–12 East Parade
Leeds
LS1 2BH
United Kingdom Regional correspondence
View contact page