George Russell anticipates intense weekend due to Mercedes' 'concerning' race pace

07:32, 31 May

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell is optimistic about Mercedes' qualifying potential, yet when it comes to race pace, the British driver describes it as a small concern, in conversation with F1TV.

A small concern could be an understatement. Where as Max Verstappen, for instance, averaged a 1:19.9 during his long run, and Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton a 1:20.2, for Russell it was a 1:20.8.

In terms of qualifying, though, the Briton has a much better outlook on a positive result this Saterday afternoon, after finishing P2 in FP2. “In the Quali runs we looked pretty decent, so it was nice to be back where the car has been after some tough races."

George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W16 in Spain.

Russell outlines Mercedes' race pace as a 'small concern'

"Nevertheless, the long run pace doesn’t look superb and that has been an objective of ours recently, to try and improve the long run pace."

Tyre degradation in particular is a weakness inherent to Mercedes' cars, at least in hot conditions, since the implementation of the ground effect regulations. And hot and sunny is the common denominator in the weather forecast across the race weekend in Spain.

“We need to go through the data, we need to compare how we fell out compared to our rivals, but definitely the long run pace is a small concern.”

Russell, nevertheless, does not let the significant gap to rivals in race trim dampen his spirits: “I feel in a good place. I’m enjoying driving this circuit, it felt good out there today, it’s hot. Let’s see what the next two days bring.”