Russell hints at quirky Italian GP preparation after Monza surprise

George Russell has shared how he will prepare for the Italian Grand Prix after clinching third on the grid for the race at Monza.

The Mercedes driver joked after qualifying that hopefully pizza will prevent him being too light tomorrow, after he was stripped of victory in Belgium for that reason.

Russell was slower only than the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, setting a lap time just over one-tenth of a second off the pole time.

The 26-year-old anticipates a close fight at the front for victory in the race, something he feels is good for F1.

“I think it’s going to be a tight battle. Everybody’s so, so close out there. So exciting for F1,” the two-time grand prix winner said.

“We’ve all been waiting this competition and knowing if you do a great job you’ve got a chance of victory, so I’m pretty pumped for tomorrow.

“Get some nice pizza tonight to fuel me up and a bit of extra weight so we’re not too light tomorrow and hopefully we can fight for a good result.”

Having not looked in the hunt during the opening two sections of the qualifying hour, Russell had not expected to be in the fight.

He added he was “super happy” the surprise result, whilst team-mate Lewis Hamilton was only sixth fastest.

“It was great. Ended up P3, a little bit better than I expected, because it was a really tough session, Q1 and Q2,” Russell said.

“Fortunately, we saved it until the end. Not too far behind the McLaren. They’re so fast at the moment and we’re working so hard to catch them up, but I’m super happy with third.”