Russell ‘feeling in such a groove’, ready to go for it in Qatar GP

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George Russell is brimming with confidence ahead of Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix after enjoying a nail-biting qualifying session at the Lusail International Circuit.

The Mercedes charger was pipped to pole by just 0.055 seconds by a resurgent Max Verstappen.

However, a post-qualifying penalty for the Red Bull driver has elevated Russell to the top spot on the grid and demoted his rival to P2.

Russell’s recent form has been nothing short of stellar, with Sunday’s race marking his fourth consecutive front-row start and his second career pole in F1.

“Feeling in such a groove at the moment, feeling really great,” he said. The Briton executed a brilliant opening flyer in Q3, which he described as one of the best of his career.

“My first lap was one of the best I’ve ever done, and then for whatever reason just couldn’t find that extra bit of time on the last lap and Max pipped me,” Russell explained.

Read also: Verstappen stripped of Qatar GP pole – demoted to P2!

Despite missing out on provisional pole, Russell was quick to emphasize the positives, including Mercedes’ renewed strength in recent races.

“Just taking the positives – the car’s been so great the last two weekends and just enjoying it while we can,” he added.

Verstappen’s post-qualifying penalty means Russell will now start from P1, setting up an intense duel between the two drivers.

With Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari all showing competitive pace throughout the weekend, Russell knows the challenge ahead will be fierce.

“Hopefully we can have a proper race rather than this team orders stuff!” Russell said, referring to the intense intra-team dynamics on display this season. “It’s going to be a good race. I think we’ll all be going for it.”

The three-time Grand Prix winner also welcomed Verstappen’s presence in the battle.

“It’s actually great that Max is in the mix as well – I was really surprised at their turnaround because they looked really off the pace yesterday, off the pace this morning.

“Obviously, they were both in Q3 and Max on pole so I think we’ve got a good race on our hands,” he said.

Russell’s recent form, combined with Mercedes’ improved performance, make him a strong contender to convert his pole into another victory. But Max won’t go down without a fight.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.