Russell frustrated after missing Sao Paulo pole, Antonelli on front row

George Russell says Mercedes missed a significant chance to take pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after a miscommunication late in a rain-affected Qualifying session. Russell set the provisional fastest time on intermediate tyres in Q3 before Lando Norris went quicker, and his second timed attempt was compromised by traffic.

The Briton was told to back off after catching Alex Albon, as the team expected another opportunity before the rain intensified. The conditions worsened instead, leaving Russell unable to improve. He will start seventh on Sunday due to a grid penalty, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli inherits the front-row start.

Russell said the team had the weather forecast and he had to trust their decision, which he now believes was wrong. He stressed that the failure should not be blamed on one individual, but understood through the team's communication.