From Autosport · Filip Cleeren · · 1m 10s
George Russell angry after pole loss
George Russell furious over miscommunication costing pole despite grid penalty.
In brief
George Russell furious over miscommunication costing pole despite grid penalty. George Russell lost pole to Lando Norris due to radio miscommunication during wet qualifying at Brazilian GP despite having a grid penalty. Originally reported by Autosport.
George Russell's pole frustration
George Russell was furious after losing pole to Lando Norris during wet qualifying at Brazilian GP despite having a grid penalty.
“Mate, you fucking told me to back off. What the hell!”
Grid penalty and pole race
Russell had a five-place grid penalty for an engine swap but wanted pole position for 2027.
Qualifying conditions
Wet weather at Interlagos led to Russell leading with four tenths on Norris before rain worsened.
Radio miscommunication
Russell asked radio if he was backing or going after catching Alex Albon's Williams.
“Move, Albono!”
Pole loss moment
Russell lost pole to Norris after radio confusion at Turn 12 as rain increased.
“We can back up now, back up now”
Team response
Team principal Toto Wolff said it was a 50-50 call but Russell wanted pole position.
“I don't want to be P2, I want to be P1. That was a P1 lap. Fucking hell.”
Team analysis
Russell blamed system confusion but said his engineer wasn't at fault for the decision.
“It's not my engineer's fault. He's ultimately the one who passes the message on”
Next race strategy
Russell hopes for wet conditions to improve his chances at Sunday's race.
The one thing
George Russell lost pole to Lando Norris due to radio miscommunication during wet qualifying at Brazilian GP despite having a grid penalty.
