After dominating the season so far, Red Bull has finally faltered and it turns out to be a huge opportunity for the likes of teams like Mercedes and Ferrari to claim their first win of the season. On top of that, qualifying in P2 for the Singapore GP, Mercedes’ George Russell has revealed another strategic advantage that the Silver Arrows have in line for the race on Sunday.
After struggling throughout the three Free Practice sessions, Red Bull made a shock exit during Q2 as Verstappen failed to put in a lap time worthy of the top 10. The Dutchman finished 0.007 seconds off P10 and his teammate Sergio Perez had a similar fate, finishing P13.
Few different colours up there. Mega P2. Really enjoyed that 💪 pic.twitter.com/P5We1iyjd0
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) September 16, 2023
As for Russell, he made full use of Red Bull’s absence in Q3 and managed to put his car on the front row. The Mercedes star was just 0.072 seconds off the pole position which went to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz for the second weekend in a row. As per Russell, they have a really good chance of converting P2 into a race win tomorrow.
George Russell is excited about the race on Sunday
Mercedes was very impressive during the race simulations seen at the practice sessions on Friday. However, the Ferraris have always managed to get the better of them, both in terms of one-lap pace, as well as the long runs. However, Russell believes that a certain strategic advantage that Mercedes has right now might help him bridge the gap and push for a race win.
Following the qualifying session in Singapore, Russell explained that Mercedes are on an off-set strategy compared to the teams around them. The Silver Arrows have an extra medium tire saved for the race which none of the teams in the first two rows have. This will definitely give Russell an edge when it comes to strategy options
The last non-Red Bull driver to win an F1 race was George Russell at the 2022 Brazilian GP.
The Mercedes driver is confident he could also be the one who breaks the Red Bull streak tomorrow 👀#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/3pvKSLGmI7
— Autosport (@autosport) September 16, 2023
Russell said, “To get to Q3 and be on the front row with a strategic advantage tomorrow is an exciting place to be.” Sandwiched between the two Ferraris, the Briton will definitely try his best to claim Mercedes’ first win since the Sao Paolo GP last year.
The threat from Lando Norris
Apart from the two Ferraris, Russell will also have to be wary of McLaren’s Lando Norris. Starting from P4, Norris has been one of the standout performers in the recent races and with the Red Bulls out of the way, he will be definitely looking at his chances to get the best possible result.
Last but not the least, the Red Bulls cannot be discounted at all. Despite having a poor outing throughout the practice sessions, Verstappen and Perez have been unstoppable this season. They are driving the RB-19 which has been the most dominant car of the season by far. Hence, they both have an outside chance of snatching home a victory.
