2018 FIA Formula 2 Champion George Russell claimed his first Formula One pole position in his career in the final stages of Q3 at the Hungaroring this weekend.

Formula 2 fans became used to seeing Russell at the front of the grid during his time in the series as he took five poles in 2018 and took the title in his first year – only one of three drivers to achieve that feat in the modern era. 

This year, Russell is the teammate of seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, and the results between the Mercedes pair have been fairly close all season long. 

Russell graduated to F1 in 2019 with Williams after finishing 68 points ahead of present-day McLaren driver Lando Norris in F2. This decision was made pre-season after he impressed the Mercedes Team Principal and his manager, Toto Wolff. 

Reflecting on the Brit’s form in his championship-winning year, many F2 fans expected him to compete for the world championship in 2022 after Mercedes announced his move to the previously all-conquering team in 2021. With a junior career full of success, combined with the might of the eight-time constructors’ champions, this year looked hopeful. 

However, this year hasn’t been what most expected. The team have had issues with the car throughout the season, but despite this, Russell has managed to pick up the nickname, Mr Consistency. He has already stood on the podium three times but is yet to climb onto the top step. 

Tomorrow, starting from pole will give him the best chance to achieve his first Formula One win – something that has seemed inevitable for many years now.

He proved he has the ability to take the chequered flag seven times in his rookie and championship-winning season in the junior series, F2, and he’ll be drawing on that experience for his F1 race this weekend.

Image Credit: Mercedes AMG F1