Russell to challenge Verstappen for victory: 'Why not?'

George Russell is ready to challenge Max Verstappen on Sunday in the Canadian Grand Prix after defeating the reigning world champion to pole position.

Russell set a blistering 1:12.000 on his opening push lap in Q3 which turned out to be crucial, as the lap time was matched minutes later by Verstappen. 

However, as it was the Mercedes driver who posted the time first, he received pole position instead of the Dutchman.

It marks just his second career pole position, with his target being to convert it into a second career F1 victory. 

"Amazing, it feels so good," Russell said after claiming Mercedes' first pole since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix.

"So much hard work back in the factory has gone into this. We said in Monaco that we hope this is the start of something for our season and I think it is. I've missed this feeling!"

'Eyes on that win'

Mercedes has not been able to compete with Red Bull in any qualifying session this year, with defeating Verstappen over one lap being a huge step in the correct direction for the Silver Arrows. 

However, the next challenge for the Brackley-based outfit is beating Verstappen and Red Bull to victory, something Russell believes is possible. 

"Why not? Of course," insisted Russell. "Let's go for it, the car's been feeling amazing since we bought some upgrades to Monaco. 

"We've sort of really been in that fight now. So we're going for it tomorrow."

Despite Lewis Hamilton only qualifying seventh, Mercedes has looked strong throughout the weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. 

Significant support has been directed towards the outfit, with Russell now focusing on Sunday.

"It's awesome here every time we come to Montreal, so it's good energy from all the fans and excited for tomorrow," he added. 

"So obviously the first step is done, but obviously now we've got our eyes on that win."