George Russell insisted he never doubted himself after claiming pole position for the Sprint race at the Canadian Grand Prix.

All eyes were on Mercedes after their upgrades ahead of the weekend, and they did not disappoint as Kimi Antonelli, who topped Friday practice, will start in second for Saturday's sprint.

There was just 0.068 seconds to split the Mercedes pair in their final run, though it is Russell who will start from the front in Montreal.

The British driver has enjoyed his previous visits to Canada; Russell has claimed pole position for the Grand Prix in each of the last two editions.

Russell also won the main race last year, ending Max Verstappen's run of three consecutive wins in Montreal.

After finishing fourth in Miami last time out, Russell was keen to regain momentum in the title fight, and he did exactly that in sprint qualifying.

"This feels great after a tough Miami, but I never doubted myself," said Russell.

"I know what I can do. Miami is unique but this is an amazing circuit with high grip.

"It feels you are driving a proper F1 car around here, which is how it should be. It came together today.

"The team have done a great job to bring things forward and there is now a big focus for Saturday. We are making baby steps.

"I am not going to say we are going to fly off the line.

"I hope that's the case but history tells us that hasn't happened often or at all this year. McLaren have been making good starts."

McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will start in third and fourth, respectively, after finishing over 0.3 seconds behind the Sprint pole-sitter.

Lewis Hamilton will start in fifth, one place ahead of Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, while Max Verstappen finished sprint qualifying in seventh.

Saturday's action will start with the Sprint race, before qualifying for the Grand Prix later in the day.

Canadian Grand Prix Sprint qualifying Top 10

1. George Russell (Mercedes)

2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

3. Lando Norris (McLaren)

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

9. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)

10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)