George Russell claims he had a chance to win the F1 Qatar Grand Prix

Russell initiated the 57-lap race at Losail Circuit from the second grid position. However, a superior start by his teammate Hamilton, who began in third place on soft tyres, led to their convergence at the first corner.

In an effort to overtake, Hamilton aimed for the outside line but made contact with Russell, causing him to spin. Subsequently, Russell was compelled to enter the pits before mounting a return through the field, eventually securing the fourth position.

Russell was of the belief that, had it not been for the accident that immediately ended Hamilton's race, he could have taken on Red Bull's three-time world champion, Max Verstappen, for the victory.

"I see no reason why not," said Russell, when asked if he could've competed with Verstappen. 

"We believe that we were on pace [as fast as], if not faster, than McLaren [who scored a double podium with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris].  

"Seeing that Piastri finished so close to Max was really quite surprising." 

Russell added: "I was gutted because of the results for the team. This year, the drivers' championship has just been a complete disaster for me.  

"I've got one goal, and that's to finish P2 in the teams' championship. It was, of course, a big opportunity. But I still have full faith we're going to achieve it.  

"So, I stand here now with positivity because the car was quick and [we had] a really strong race." 

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