Russell puzzled by qualifying drop-off at Sepang

George Russell said he was perplexed by his qualifying performance at Sepang, where he lacked competitiveness despite having spoken positively about his chances beforehand.

Russell had been stronger in Baku, but admitted he did not know why that form did not carry over into qualifying in Malaysia.

He finished eighth in Saturday’s qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix and will start seventh in Sunday’s race.