P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell felt Max Verstappen’s strategy in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying was the correct one.
George Russell believes Mercedes could have implemented Max Verstappen’s Q3 strategy, which led him to secure pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Verstappen opted for a unique pit-stop that allowed him to have two new sets of tires, eventually snatching pole by a marginal 0.010s from Oscar Piastri. Despite Russell initially securing provisional pole, he finished third. Russell expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the potential of following Verstappen’s approach. Mercedes had discussed elements of Verstappen’s strategy, with the plan of starting on new tires and then switching to used ones. However, Russell felt the challenge of committing fully to a single flying lap, particularly lacking confidence in Turn 1.
