Russell reckons he had pace to threaten Verstappen in F1 Qatar GP

Russell started the 57-lap run around Losail Circuit from second place but a superior launch for team-mate Hamilton, who lined up third on soft tyres, brought the pair together into the first corner. 

Hamilton tried to move round the outside but clipped Russell, who was sent spinning. He then pitted before battling his way back to fourth place in an intensely humid encounter. 

Without the crash, which eliminated Hamilton on the spot, Russell…