George Russell has indicated that team-mate Kimi Antonelli’s spin in qualifying for Formula 1‘s Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race contributed to being dumped out of SQ2.
The Briton and the Italian rookie looked good to compete for a good result at Spa-Francorchamps, having set the fourth-fastest time in FP1.
Antonelli was sixth, promising a potentially good qualifying for the German marque.
However, it unravelled in SQ1, when Antonelli spun at Stavelot, condemning him to being knocked out, with floor damage cited as a cause to not being able to improve.
Russell was then knocked out in the next stage, and will start the Sprint 13th, with Antonelli last.
After his disappointing early exit, Russell dispelled the possibility that the evolution of the track, seeing drivers set fast times after him, contributed to the surprising outcome, citing the gravel left by Antonelli was the likelier cause.
I don’t think so,” he said. “To be honest, we’ve had to pace all day.
“In Q1, I ran over all that gravel when Kimi went off. For the rest of that lap it felt terrible. The lap after it felt terrible. And then my lap in Q2 felt terrible.
“We saw some damage on the car. We need to see if that’s the reason. Because obviously it’s a big shock to be out in Q2. And obviously the gap was so big. So, yeah, I’m sure there’s a reason for it.”
Russell confident of ‘making progress’ despite compromised result
Russell’s reasoning may be founded, as SQ3 was delayed in order for marshals to further clear the circuit, despite having done so between SQ1 and 2.
When asked if his set-up choice now compromises his race on Saturday, Russell denied this would be the case, citing the competitiveness of the W16’s strong showing in the only free practice session.
“No, no, because the pace was good in practice, he said. “The pace was good in Q1. But as I said, as soon as I went through that gravel the car didn’t feel the same since.
“We saw some damage on the car. I’m sure that must be a factor. So, yeah, not ideal. It’s only the Sprint race. I can make some progress tomorrow.”
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