George Russell discounted Pierre Gasly before Italian Grand Prix qualifying
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 5:59 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
George Russell stated he underestimated Pierre Gasly ahead of qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix. Gasly went on to secure his first career pole position at the Monza circuit during the session. Russell admitted his initial assessment of the threat posed by the Alpine driver was incorrect as the qualifying order took shape. The result marks a breakthrough performance for Gasly in this year's Formula 1 championship. Competition remains tight as the grid prepares for the race start on Sunday. Drivers and teams are currently analyzing data from the qualifying session to finalize their race strategies.
- •George Russell admitted he did not consider Pierre Gasly a serious pole threat.
- •Pierre Gasly earned his first career pole position at the Italian Grand Prix.
- •The qualifying session took place at the Monza circuit.
- •Gasly drives for the Alpine team.
- 5:32 PMRacer — Russell admits he wasn’t taking Gasly Monza pole threat seriously
"George Russell admitted he wasn’t taking the threat from Pierre Gasly in qualifying seriously before the Alpine driver took his first pole position at the Italian Grand Prix.
"George Russell was unexpectedly pipped to pole position for the Italian Grand Prix by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
Sources
External links- RacerSep 5, 2026, 5:32 PMRussell admits he wasn’t taking Gasly Monza pole threat seriously
George Russell admitted he wasn’t taking the threat from Pierre Gasly in qualifying seriously before the Alpine driver took his first pole position at the Italian Grand Prix.
- Formula1.com—Russell on his Monza prospects after loss to ‘flying’ Gasly
George Russell was unexpectedly pipped to pole position for the Italian Grand Prix by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
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