Russell reflects on 'incredible' Qualifying in China

Mercedes' George Russell was left both overjoyed and exhausted by his Qualifying performance in China that saw him claim his first front row start of the season and only marginally miss out on pole position.

After taking advantage of the chaotic conditions in Australia to finish on the podium, the Briton once again emerged as a somewhat unexpected frontrunner in the final seconds of Qualifying in Shanghai.

With most drivers failing to improve upon their lap times, Russell was the notable exception, as he leapt up the order on his last attempt and finished just 0.082s adrift of polesitter Oscar Piastri.

He was once again the lead Mercedes as his rookie team mate Kimi Antonelli found himself down in P8, with the entirety of the top 10 covered by just over a second in the incredibly competitive session.

Lando Norris and George Russell talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 22, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mario Renzi - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) — Russell's effort relegated Lando Norris to the second row of the grid

Speaking afterwards, Russell said: “It feels incredible, to be honest. It was one of the hardest Quali sessions I’ve done in a long, long time and I was trying all sorts with my preparation, with the tyres and nothing seemed to be clicking, and did something totally different on my last lap and it just all came alive. The lap was awesome.

“The last one was a bit of a roll of the dice, then I had a big moment at Turn 1 but it just all came together and I was really surprised when I crossed the line.

“I knew it was a good lap, but to see that I was between the McLarens… just buzzing and looking forward to tomorrow.

“It’s going to be tough. We know the McLarens are going to be quick, but I will be doing everything to try to stay where we are or try and jump ahead of them.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team is interviewed during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 22, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) — Antonelli will be hoping to replicate his charge through the field from the season opener

Antonelli seemed similarly keen to progress through the field, especially after his mighty debut last weekend in Melbourne that saw him cross the line in fourth place.

“I think the pace today was good for a single lap – it’s just [that] it was a bit messy, especially with the warm-up,” the Italian explained after Qualifying. “It was really hard to find the right balance and get the best grip out of the tyre.

“Definitely [made] some mistakes as well during the lap. I think also the fact [that I went] off in the last corner in Q3 and not having the lap compromised the last run.

“Overall it’s a bit disappointing but tomorrow the race is long, and hopefully we can build something good from there.”