George Russell's team radio after hearing the finish order of Miami Grand Prix sprint qualifying speaks volumes

George Russell’s team radio after hearing the finish order of the Miami Grand Prix sprint qualifying paints an unusually dark picture for Mercedes in 2026.

Mercedes have set the tone in 2026, winning all three races and taking pole position in every qualifying session, including George Russell's own Australian Grand Prix opening race victory.

The 28-year-old’s team-mate, Kimi Antonelli, prevailed in both the Chinese Grand Prix and Japanese Grand Prix, with Russell finishing second and fourth in each race respectively.

However, with Formula 1 taking an extended break after race cancellations in the Middle East due to the outbreak of conflict, it was McLaren that came out on top at the Hard Rock Stadium.

World Champion Lando Norris claimed sprint pole in the qualifying, with his team-mate Oscar Piastri in third, while Kimi Antonelli secured second for Mercedes - and Russell’s team radio after hearing the finish order summed up a disappointing day for the Brit.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have set the standard with Mercedes in 2026. (Image: Getty)

George Russell reacts to disappointing qualifying

In response to hearing the order, Russell met his team with total silence, after finishing sixth behind both McLarens, team-mate Kimi Antonelli, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

The six-time race winner later described the challenges he faced on the day, expressing his dislike of Miami and its conditions.

“Miami is not a track I love, to be honest… I was just overheating the tires a lot in that twisty section in the middle, I’m struggling to get the right balance with the car,” confessed Russell.

The Brit, who was beaten in Formula 1’s two most recent races by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli, is currently second in the championship and nine points behind the Italian.

Russell was also left surprised by the “pretty damn impressive” performance of McLaren and Ferrari in qualifying, on a day in which the Brit admitted to struggling due to Miami’s hotter weather.

“It’s pretty surprising how big a jump McLaren and Ferrari have made, so that’s pretty damn impressive. We expected them to close the gap, but all day they’ve been quicker than us,” said the 28-year-old.

“I’ve been quite surprised by the progress of others, but [it's] another day tomorrow. I’m not in a great position… I want to get off the line, hopefully don’t lose any more positions, and see what we can do,” he continued.