Mercedes driver George Russell was less than impressed with teammate Lewis Hamilton after the latter claimed that his first lap in the Q3 session was influenced by his experienced compatriot. The British duo couldn’t be separated on the track, finishing third and fourth, with Hamilton leading Russell in the Spanish GP qualifying session on Saturday.
The 26-year-old appeared to be the faster of the two Mercedes drivers entering the final phase of qualifying, but the seven-time world champion set a time that was only milliseconds ahead of Russell.
However, after completing their first timed laps, George Russell complained on his team radio about Lewis Hamilton’s actions during the preparation lap, claiming that they hampered his progress. Russell said:
In his post-qualifying interview with F1TV, the Mercedes driver stated that he was’really happy’ with the outcome, saying:
“I am very happy. I’m extremely grateful to be in the top three. It’s been a difficult year, but everyone in the factory has worked hard, and we’re starting to see the results. I didn’t expect to be in contention for pole, but there appeared to be moments when we were close.”
The 39-year-old also expressed gratitude to the Brackley-based team for improving the W15 this season.
“We have made huge steps forward and it is really down to every single individual back at the factory who is working on design, pushing in making the new parts we get to bring to these races.””The car is gradually evolving into a racing machine that we hope will allow us to compete with the guys in front. George also did an excellent job, so hopefully we will be able to apply pressure on the guys in front tomorrow.”