P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell admits it has been a real surprise for Mercedes to be so fast at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after securing pole position. Mercedes topped all three practice sessions, with Lewis Hamilt…
George Russell expressed his surprise at Mercedes’ impressive speed at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after securing pole position. Mercedes dominated all three practice sessions, with Lewis Hamilton fastest on Thursday and Russell leading FP3. Despite needing a front wing change in Q3, Russell managed to reclaim pole position, marking his first pole since the British Grand Prix. Russell acknowledged the unexpected speed of the car and emphasized the importance of a clean Q3 lap. He highlighted the need to understand the reasons behind the team’s strong performance this weekend.
Russell highlighted the uncertainties regarding tire performance in the race, particularly the challenges with the medium and soft compounds showing significant graining. The hard tire is anticipated to be more durable, but no driver has tested it during the weekend. Russell emphasized the need to adapt during the race due to the unpredictable nature of the track. He mentioned the potential impact of Safety Car periods, citing past races where timely interventions changed the outcome. Despite his satisfaction with pole position, Russell remains cautious and focused on the challenges ahead in the race.
