Russell on top for Mercedes but confident "tomorrow will be a better day"

George Russell has had a positive first day in the Mercedes car. The young Brit topped both practice sessions in a busy Friday, though teammate Valtteri Bottas had a stronger lap time deleted for exceeding track limits. Russell warns that the lap times look "deceiving". 

Following Hamilton's positive test result, Toto Wolff and his team offered Russell a promotion from Williams. For the first time in his Formula 1 career, the 22-year-old driver is competing at the front of the grid. 

"Lap after lap I am learning but it's so much to learn. I am doing my best. It is a good first day, but a lot to do still," Russell told Sky Sports.

A lot of traffic

It takes less than 60 seconds for a Formula 1 car to complete a lap on the outer loop of the Bahrain International Circuit. As a result of the short circuit, there's plenty of traffic around. It has been challenging for all drivers. 

"Different, tricky.. not an easy track to say the least. It's going to be very tight in quali and the race is going to be carnage. The next two days are going to be important," Russell added. 

"The lap times do look deceiving. I struggled on the high fuel. I still have a lot to do to feel comfortable in the car. But tomorrow will be a better day."