Russell 'kicking himself' over qualifying struggle

George Russell has been left to 'kick himself' after finishing eighth-fastest in Monaco Grand Prix qualifying.

The Mercedes driver had looked strong all day behind the wheel of the upgraded W14 but failed to make an impression on Q3, eventually finishing slower than teammate Lewis Hamilton and both Alpines.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365.com, Russell conceded: "There was definitely more there.

"Q1 and Q2 were looking reasonably promising, we were so close to Ferrari and Fernando.

"I pushed for more and paid the price and ultimately went slower than my potential, so kicking myself a little bit because of that, but I would have been equally disappointed had I been a tenth behind and not pushed that little bit extra.

"That's the price you pay sometimes, you can't get it right every time but I'm pretty disappointed."

No scares with update

Mercedes introduced a raft of upgrades to the car a week later than planned following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with the first signs of improvement expected at the more conventional Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya next weekend.

Addressing the update package, Russell insisted: "There are definitely no scares with this new update, things are working as expected.

"No real concerns... we brought a lot to the car, aero package, new suspension and it is all working as expected.

"I see no reason why in Barcelona, it won't perform as we expect and hopefully we make a small jump."