Russell on Pole in Canada, Eyes Aggressive Start Tactic

George Russell grabs Canadian GP pole position and prepares for a fierce F1 start battle against Max Verstappen in Montreal this weekend.

George Russell secured a stunning pole position in Canada by clocking the fastest lap, just as he did last year. The Mercedes F1 driver delivered a very strong lap that put him at the top, and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience on a circuit that suits him well.

“It was amazing in front of this incredible crowd to get pole position. That last lap was one of the most exhilarating laps of my career because on the screen I could see the gaps and I noticed at every corner I was a tenth quicker, a tenth quicker, and when I saw I was six tenths up I knew it was a great lap,” Russell said.

Asked what to expect from the start given the rivalry with Max Verstappen, who will join him on the front row, Russell interrupted Jacques Villeneuve, who was asking the question, by saying “we are friends.”

Pressed by the 1997 World Champion to reveal his strategy for the start, between going all out to stay in front and playing it safe to secure points, the Brit made a not-so-subtle reference to the risk of suspension facing his rival: “I still have a few points left on my license to play with! So we will see…”