Lewis Hamilton replacement George Russell narrowly beaten to Sakhir Grand Prix pole

Russell, 22, is deputising for Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time world champion’s positive Covid-19 test

George Russell narrowly missed out on pole. Picture: Tolga Bozoglu, Pool via AP

British driver George Russell narrowly missed out on a dream pole after he was edged to top spot by Valtteri Bottas for Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix.

Russell, 22, deputising for Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time world champion’s positive Covid-19 test, finished only 0.026 seconds slower than Bottas in the other Mercedes.