George Russell reveals critical Mercedes qualifying issue

George Russell has suggested he was blocked from an attempt at pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix after suffering a steering issue in Q3.

The Mercedes driver showed strong pace all through Friday night in the build-up to the shoot-out for pole position.

However, his final lap time was over eight-tenths of a second down on pole-sitter Lando Norris.

Russell revealed he almost parked his car up because of the seriousness of the issue that suddenly hit his car.

“I had a steering issue in Q3,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. “I don’t know what it was, it was like a power steering issue.

“It was a real shame. Obviously, we were quickest in P3, quickest in Q1, quickest in Q2.

“And on my second lap, I thought I had to stop the car on the track because I couldn't turn the steering properly.

“I don't know what it was. I feel fortunate to have qualified P4, considering, but of course, it feels like a missed opportunity.”

The F1 drivers were subject to difficult conditions in Las Vegas as heavy rainfall made the already low-grip surface even more treacherous.

With many of the competitors assessing it was the worst conditions they have driven in grip-wise, Russell admitted he enjoyed the difficulty of bringing home the car in one piece.

“Pretty horrendous,” Russell reflected. “It wasn't fun at all. But it's a nice challenge.

“You don't want it to be the same every week.”