George Russell is wary of Lewis Hamilton after “surprise” qualifying result sees them lock out front-row for the Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Russell secured his third pole position of 2026 during a frantic qualifying session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, on Saturday.
The Briton, who has been trailing his team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli for pace so far this season, has seemed much more in-sync with the W17, this weekend.
The Mercedes driver converted that form into a stellar Q3 effort. Looking back, Russell remarked how he has started feeling like “my old self again.”
“It’s been a great weekend so far,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I kind of feel like my old self again, where every lap I’m doing my job, always fighting in those top positions.
“Obviously, for the last few races, for numerous reasons, things haven’t quite been on our side, but I came in this weekend with a clean slate.
“I’ve felt good, and it is just great to be on pole.”
George Russell looking forward to “interesting” Lewis Hamilton fight at F1 Barcelona GP
Russell is yet to stand on the top step of the podium after winning the season-opening Australian GP, in March.
Those accolades have gone exclusively to his team-mate Antonelli – who comes into the race on Sunday on a five-race winning streak.
But Russell is more wary of the his former Mercedes team-mate Hamilton, who surprised him by slotting his SF-26 alongside him on the front-row by the slimmest of margins (0.064 seconds).
“It’s going to be an interesting race tomorrow. Lewis did an amazing job getting up there; that was a real surprise,” Russell added.
“We thought a fight was with ourselves and McLaren, and then Lewis has been really quick all this session, so I’m sure there’s going to be a fight on our hands.
“Obviously, Kimi has been doing an amazing job, so tomorrow is not going to be easy from every standpoint, but I’m feeling ready.”
Antonelli is slated to start the 66-lap race from third and will be hoping to extend his lead in the championship, especially after unlocking promising long-run pace from his package, this weekend.
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