# Wolff: Russell's lap aborted would have secured second

> Mercedes' Wolff says George Russell would have been second-fastest if he completed the lap he was told to abandon.
- Title: Wolff: Russell's lap aborted would have secured second
- Summary: Mercedes' Wolff says George Russell would have been second-fastest if he completed the lap he was told to abandon.
- Keywords: mercedes, george russell, qualifying, formula 1, wolff, alexander albon, lando norris, grid penalty, interlagos, racefans
- Source: RaceFans — https://racefans.net/2026/11/07/social-media-wolff-believes-russells-aborted-lap-would-have-put-him-second
- Published: 2026-11-07T21:57:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mercedes, george russell, qualifying, f1, formula 1, wolff, alexander albon, lando norris, p2, grid penalty, interlagos, racefans
## George Russell's lap aborted
George Russell was furious that Mercedes told him to abort a lap he believed would have given him the quickest time in Q3.
## Wolff's explanation
Wolff believes Russell would have been second-fastest even if he completed the lap he was told to abandon because he was close to Alexander Albon's Williams.

> That was a difficult and tricky session where sometimes it’s a 50-50 call
## Russell's grid penalty
Russell's five-place grid penalty means he will start seventh after being second behind Lando Norris.
## Key takeaway

Mercedes' Wolff claims George Russell would have finished second in qualifying if he had completed the lap he was instructed to abandon.