George Russell has admitted he was surprised by Ferrari’s pace on Friday at the British Grand Prix.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton claimed the fastest time in sprint qualifying, edging championship leader Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011s to secure pole position.
Ferrari’s resurgence came after a difficult weekend in Austria, where it was unable to replicate the race-winning form it displayed in Barcelona.
Hamilton’s return to the front has caught Russell off guard, with the Mercedes driver admitting he had expected Ferrari to be more competitive in Austria than at Silverstone.
“Very surprised, they've been on the back foot with the PU and energy management. Here, they look the best,” Russell said.
“That's been a real surprise. We've always known they've had a great chassis. Some things aren't quite making sense.
“If I were to predict it, I would have said Ferrari to be quick last week and us to be quick this week. Obviously, Kimi did a great job but Ferrari had the upper hand.”
Russell ended the session almost four-tenths down on Hamilton in fifth place and was once again outpaced by team-mate Antonelli.
The Briton stated it is “strange” that he was unable to find an answer to their pace.
“Story of the year to be honest, always on the back foot,” he said.
“Usually come Q3, we can make a step. Today, not quite the case.
“It was very close to P3 but still very much off the pace of Lewis and Kimi. I need to try and understand why that is, it's a bit strange.
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