But the rain held off – for Q2 at least – with only spots falling for the next 15 minutes as the drivers looked to make it into the top 10.
It’s only the second time since F1 introduced the third millisecond in qualifying that there has been a dead heat for pole position – but Russell will be thrilled to have got his lap in first and to have secured pole in such a way.
but missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitis – with British teenager Oliver Bearman stepping in for his Formula 1 debut.
he took a reserve driver role with Red Bull before being promoted to replace Nyck de Vries midway through the 2023 season.