# George Russell Explains Pole Loss

> George Russell says pole was there for the taking but miscommunication cost him pole at Brazilian GP.
- Title: George Russell Explains Pole Loss · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: George Russell says pole was there for the taking but miscommunication cost him pole at Brazilian GP.
- Keywords: george russell, mercedes, lando norris, brazilian gp, formula 1, qualifying, pole position, wet weather, toto wolff, alex albon, williams, Motorsport
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/george-russells-brazilian-gp-qualifying-fury-explained-pole-was-there-for-the-taking/10872782
- Author: Filip Cleeren
- Published: 2026-11-07T22:12:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: george russell, mercedes, lando norris, brazilian gp, formula 1, qualifying, pole position, wet weather, toto wolff, alex albon, williams, sports
## George Russell's Qualifying Fury
George Russell explained his radio fury over miscommunication with Mercedes that cost him pole at Brazilian GP.

> Pole was there for the taking
## Qualifying Conditions
Wet weather at Interlagos led to Russell taking four tenths out of Lando Norris' initial benchmark.
## Radio Confusion
Russell asked radio if he was backing or going after catching Alex Albon's Williams.

> Move, Albono!
## Miscommunication Moment
Russell was told to back up but conditions worsened before he could complete a final lap.

> We can back up now, back up now
## Pole Snatched
Lando Norris took two tenths out of Russell's benchmark to snatch pole in wet conditions.
## Team Reaction
Toto Wolff said it was a 50-50 call but Russell felt pole was there for the taking.

> It's a 50-50 call
## Russell's Disappointment
Russell said he was P2 after the call and wanted to be P1 despite strong lap.

> I don't want to be P2, I want to be P1
## Next Race Strategy
Russell hopes for wet conditions to improve his chances after starting seventh.
## Key takeaway

George Russell lost pole to Lando Norris due to miscommunication during wet qualifying at Brazilian GP.