Russell bemused by pace deficit to F1 title rival Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix with a lap of 1m12.051s, beating Max Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds, while Mercedes team-mate George Russell could only manage sixth place, three tenths off the pace. Russell, who won the season opener in Melbourne, has struggled badly in recent races and now sits 43 points behind championship leader Antonelli, who has won all four grands prix since Melbourne. Russell admitted he was baffled by his recent lack of pace, noting that his form had been strong early in the season but has completely fallen away over the last three rounds.