After securing P5 in qualifying, his “worst quali of the year,” George Russell claimed that he “couldn’t drive to [his] potential” at F1 Miami GP qualifying.
King of consistency facing issues in Miami
Good qualifying has been a consistent theme of Russell’s 2025 season so far, performing his best on Saturdays.
In Miami, however, Russell finished quali in P5, by no means a bad performance, but much poorer than expected.
“I’ve been really struggling today to be honest. This whole weekend has just not been clicking for me.
“Quali has been a real strength of mine this season, but clearly whatever’s been working so well this year for me, quali does not work here in Miami,” he admitted.
The wet, low grip conditions following rain that almost cancelled the session left Russell struggling with oversteer and tyre temperature issues.
“Kimi’s been doing a great job. Worst quali of the year, but it’s still P5, so it could have been worse.”
Russell’s lack of confidence around the Miami International Autodrome
Despite his Miami F1 qualifying struggles, Russell’s final lap was just 0.2s off Verstappen’s pole time.
“I was really surprised to be this close to pole position, because it felt really bad out there.
“I didn’t feel confident in myself, and I knew I was not driving anywhere. I couldn’t drive to my potential, because I didn’t have the confidence.
“It’s days like this, it’s sort of damage limitation, and P5 was a good result all things considered.”
He noted it’s “in the driving” and not a set-up issue within the car.
The contrast between Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli was clear, and the rookie outqualified Russell for the first time.
“Kimi from lap one this weekend has been really on it.
“He’s been exceptionally fast, doing an amazing job, and for myself I’ve taken a step backwards.
“What’s worked for me for these first five races did not work here in Miami. We know with sprint races, if you start on the back foot, it’s a bit difficult to turn it around, and that was the case.”
Damage limitation for the F1 Miami GP
Starting P5, Russell faces a tough race ahead of him.
Verstappen in pole, and the McLarens, Norris P2, and Piastri P4 have been quick all weekend.
Mercedes’ tyre temperature struggles could leave him vulnerable in the race.
“I was always struggling a lot in that middle sector, sector two. The front end was just not coming to me,” Russell noted.
“Pirelli increased the pressures last night, which compounded the issue. Out of the top 4, we’re probably arguably the worst in keeping the temperature out of the tyres.
“It’s so close out there on a single lap, but I unfortunately expect that gap to extend tomorrow, especially with McLaren.”
