Mercedes surprised by FP1: Does Russell see himself bagging back-to-back poles?
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George Russell spoke to Sky Sports to reveal his expectations ahead of the rest of the race weekend in Austria, with qualifying and the Grand Prix still to be run, there's all to play for. Where does the Mercedes driver feel he may stack up at the Austrian Grand Prix?
"I mean first practice was definitely a surprise to us," Russell said referring to the session where he led Verstappen at the flag. "[The] Second practice we definitely didn't have the pace like we did this morning. In the qualy runs and the race pace was a step worse so we need to sort of analyse where that was."
Mercedes' rear suspension which helped them with tyre longevity last time out in Canada, did not yield as big an impact in Spielberg. "The tarmac here is pretty abrasive it's normally a two-stop race that doesn't really suit our strength, so as I said, this morning was a real surprise."
"This afternoon is probably a bit more in line with our expectations, still fighting, trying to get back on the podium but sort of our top five range is realistically well wrapped."
No pole for Russell in Austria
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Back to back poles are in the cards for Russell? "Nah I think I mean the McLarens were mighty especially this afternoon. I don't really see that changing. And that was the anticipation coming into the weekend, unfortunately. So we'll do our best, but I don't think we'll be fighting for pole this weekend," concluded the Briton.
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