Russell and team-mate Lewis Hamilton took different set-up directions prior to qualifying, and it was clear that the former had the better option.
Hamilton struggled with the rear end of his car and was knocked out in Q1 in 16th place. Russell just made it through to Q3, and ultimately earned sixth on the grid.
As expected, he was beaten by the four cars of the Red Bull and Ferrari teams, but he was also outpaced by the Alpine of Esteban Ocon.
Asked by Autosport if he was relieved with the final position, especially given that he was only 10th in Q2, Russell made it clear that it was still far below where he and the team expect to be.
“No, not really, to be honest,” he said. “We’re not here to be battling for P5, P6. As a team, it was a very difficult day. The car is really on a knife-edge, and getting it in the right window is so difficult.
“Lewis and I went down different set-up routes. Clearly it didn’t work out, and it’s pretty clear in the data.
“So as a team, it’s a bit of a…
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