# George Russell angry after pole loss

> George Russell furious over miscommunication costing pole despite grid penalty.
- Title: George Russell angry after pole loss · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: George Russell furious over miscommunication costing pole despite grid penalty. George Russell lost pole to Lando Norris due to radio miscommunication during…
- Keywords: george russell, mercedes, lando norris, formula 1, brazilian grand prix, grid penalty, qualifying, radio miscommunication, wet weather, Autosport
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/why-russell-was-so-angry-in-brazilian-gp-qualifying-despite-already-having-a-grid-penalty/10872788
- Author: Filip Cleeren
- Published: 2026-11-07T22:15:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: george russell, mercedes, lando norris, formula 1, brazilian grand prix, grid penalty, qualifying, radio miscommunication, wet weather, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

George Russell lost pole to Lando Norris due to radio miscommunication during wet qualifying at Brazilian GP despite having a grid penalty.