One qualifying session in and we already have a big talking point in Sochi. It’s Williams’ George Russell that is in the spotlight, thanks to an excellent outing in Q1. The British driver has managed to put himself ahead of the two Ferrari cars into Q2, finishing P13.
Nobody doubts the serious talent that Russell possesses. In fact, he enjoyed a pretty good weekend prior to the start of the qualifying sessions too.
Russell finished P17, P16, and P13 in the three practice sessions, proving that this was no fluke.
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It’s no surprise to see Russell make it into Q2 because he has already done that a number of times this season. But what catches the eye is that he was quicker than Charles Leclerc (P14) and Sebastian Vettel (P15).
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Scuderia duo was lucky to make it into Q2. As you’d expect, that garnered a lot of eyeballs and as usual, Twitter was abuzz. Here are some of the best reactions to the event, found on the platform that just won’t fail to entertain.
Twitter reactions to George Russell out-qualifying both Ferraris
Awesome job, @GeorgeRussell63 & @WilliamsRacing! 💪
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 26, 2020
— Nathan Hunt (@NHunt94) September 26, 2020
— Dan (@DanTok97) September 26, 2020
George Russell faster than both Ferraris and 1.1 seconds quicker than his teammate! #RussianGP #WTF1 pic.twitter.com/bzpfy28WuJ
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) September 26, 2020
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How did Russell’s teammate Nicholas Latifi fare during qualifying at Sochi?
Russell’s teammate Nicholas Latifi didn’t quite have a big smile on his face at the end of Q1. Latifi was one of the 5 drivers to be eliminated and he will be starting the race in P19.
It’s a bit of a bummer for Latifi because he had a decent pace in all three qualifying sessions. Although he finished last in FP1, he improved drastically to end the other two free practice sessions with two P15 finishes.
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Williams are yet to open their account for the season and sit dead last on the Constructors’ Championship table. However, they have come close to scoring a point on three occasions thus far. They’ll be hoping that stat will change for the better by the end of the Russian Grand Prix.
It may seem rather impossible. But we have seen a lot of miracles this season. So don’t rule anything out just yet. If the previous two races in Italy are anything to go by, we are in for quite a Sunday.