Russell 'did not need validation' after earning Sprint pole in Canada

George Russell says he did not need "validation" of his abilities after being outshone by Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli so far this season ahead of earning pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix Sprint.

Russell won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, only for Antonelli to then reel off three victories in a row, in China, Japan and Miami, to open up a 20-point lead over the Brit at the top of the Drivers' Championship.