Hamilton and Russell React To 'Absolutely Crazy' Qualifying In Sao Paulo

Mercedes F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell shared their thoughts after the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix and Interlagos Circuit.

Qualifying in Sao Paulo led to a disappointing end for F1 fans when the session had to be ended sooner due to extreme weather conditions at the circuit.

It was in the middle of the Q3 session that a huge storm hit the circuit, and drivers basically parked their cars in garages, as it was clear nobody would improve on their laps after that.

Almost every driver mentioned they were unsatisfied with their lap, as tricky weather conditions made it challenging to put a decent lap together. The Mercedes drivers managed to score P5 and P6 in the end.

Even though Lewis Hamilton started from P6 in Mexico City last week and managed to finish in P2, he did not seem satisfied with his performance.  

Read also

Hamilton 'Obviously Clearly Worried' About Progress Of Red Bull For Next Season Says Slater

The seven-time World Champion told Viaplay: "I mean, it's fifth [place], fifth is never that great. I did the best I could. Hopefully, we'll have a better race."

His teammate, George Russell, who put his Mercedes in P6, reflected in the crazy weather conditions. The 25-year-old told Viaplay he has "never ever seen a change of weather so drastically."

The number 63 driver was 0,863 seconds of the pole position, and he mentioned he did not even want to finish the lap as he thought it was so bad, but in the end, it was enough for the sixth position.

As opposed to Hamilton, Russell thinks P6 is "definitely not a bad place to start." The 25-year-old won last year's race at Intarlagos and seems positive going into the rest of the weekend.

Read also

Verstappen On Potentially Helping Perez: 'Let's Just Hope That We Don't Get Into That Situation'