P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell qualified only ninth at Suzuka on a track not tipped to suit Mercedes.
George Russell believes that Mercedes’ weakness in high-speed corners is highlighted by the nature of the early-season calendar, with the W15 struggling in such sections of the track at races like the Saudi Arabian, Australian, and Japanese Grands Prix. Despite strong performances in practice, Mercedes only managed seventh and ninth in qualifying, with Lewis Hamilton out-qualifying Russell for the first time this season. Russell acknowledged the team’s lack of competitiveness in high-speed circuits and recognized the challenges faced at these types of tracks at the beginning of the season. He remains optimistic about the race, expecting strategic opportunities in the 53-lap event at Suzuka, where Mercedes may show better performance. Russell emphasized the importance of track position and anticipates a fiercely contested race with close competition among the teams.
