George Russell Pole Position Cup winner Fred Green described his Brands Hatch Qualifying performance as a “perfect way to finish the year” after adding another two pole positions to his impressive 2026 GB4 tally.
The Elite Motorsport driver secured his sixth and seventh poles of the campaign during Saturday’s Qualifying session, putting himself at the front for both of the weekend’s main races. Green’s 1m24.230s outright benchmark placed him 0.137s ahead of Thomas Ingram Hill, while championship leader Alex O’Grady qualified third.
Green also topped the second-fastest classification used to determine the Race 2 grid, completing a double pole at the final round of his maiden single-seater campaign. The result gives him the strongest possible starting position as he attempts to overturn a 49-point deficit to O’Grady.
Green pleased to put maiden-season lessons into action
Green had already secured the George Russell Pole Position Cup before arriving at Brands Hatch after establishing himself as the strongest Qualifying performer across the season. However, his latest double allowed him to finish the year with seven poles from seven rounds.
The 17-year-old viewed his Brands Hatch performance as evidence of the progress he has made throughout his first season in single-seaters. While converting that outright pace into consistent race results remains part of his development, Green believes repeatedly demonstrating that he has the speed to start at the front provides an important foundation for the future.
“A perfect way to finish the year and nice to put into action what I’ve learnt,” he said. “It’s a great achievement to get all of these pole positions and that’s the most positive thing going forward, because as long as you’re fast enough, you can figure the rest out.”
His performance continued a strong Qualifying record that has underpinned his championship challenge. Green has regularly placed himself towards the front of the grid throughout 2026, and the Brands Hatch double gives him two more opportunities to capitalise on that strength before his rookie campaign concludes.
Green retains outside championship chance
Green’s double pole also carries immediate importance for the Drivers’ Championship. He enters Saturday evening’s opening race 49 points behind O’Grady, meaning the Elite Motorsport driver remains mathematically capable of taking the title despite the KMR Sport driver holding a sizeable advantage.
Starting ahead of O’Grady gives Green an opportunity to reduce that deficit immediately. Ingram Hill will separate the two championship protagonists on the Race 1 grid, with Green starting from pole and O’Grady occupying third.
Green acknowledged that the championship remains difficult to overturn, but his approach has centred on maximising his own results rather than focusing on circumstances outside his control.
“I keep trying to do my bit and then we’ll see how he gets on,” said Green. “It’s unlikely but there is always a chance.”
That approach places the emphasis on converting the pace he demonstrated in Qualifying. Green cannot control O’Grady’s results, but his double pole gives him the opportunity to score as strongly as possible and maintain pressure on the championship leader across the finale.
Brands Hatch brings out Green’s confidence
Brands Hatch has already played an important role in Green’s young career. He claimed two victories at the Kent circuit during his 2025 Ginetta Junior campaign and has carried that affinity into his first season of GB4 machinery.
The switch to a significantly faster single-seater has not diminished his confidence around the circuit. Green believes the Grand Prix layout particularly suits his driving style, with its high-speed and commitment-heavy sections rewarding drivers willing to trust the car.
“It’s a special track in any car you drive,” he said. “A lot of confidence is needed around the back section which suits my style. It’s all down to the driver and if you can be aggressive and confident, then do the other bits right, you’re all good.”
That confidence became apparent during the closing stages of Qualifying. Green produced his fastest lap when it mattered, moving to the top with his 1m24.230s before backing up the performance with a second lap strong enough to secure pole for Race 2.
Seven poles underline Green’s rookie-season pace
Whatever happens in the championship fight, Green will conclude his first single-seater season with the George Russell Pole Position Cup and seven pole positions to his name.
His Brands Hatch performance underlined the outright speed that has made him O’Grady’s closest championship challenger heading into the final three races. It also provided another indication of how quickly he has adapted after moving from Ginetta Juniors into GB4 machinery for 2026.
The next challenge comes in converting his starting advantage into race results. O’Grady remains firmly in control of the championship with his 49-point advantage, but Green has done everything available to him before Race 1 by securing pole and placing another driver between himself and the championship leader.
For Green, the equation remains straightforward. Seven poles have demonstrated his speed across his maiden campaign, and his latest double ensures he will begin the Brands Hatch finale from the best possible position to keep his title challenge alive.
