Russell takes F1 sprint race pole as Mercedes secure 1-2 in China

British driver George Russell has taken pole for the sprint race of F1's Chinese Grand Prix 2026, with his teammate Kimi Antonelli claiming the second spot. Russell was the fastest in all three qualifying segments at Shanghai International Circuit, registering a best lap time of 1:32.241. Mercedes outpaced rivals McLaren and Ferrari, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen ended at P8.