Despite being fastest in FP1, Mercedes’ George Russell is managing expectations for Qualifying on Saturday at the 2025 F1 Austrian GP.
Russell finished the first Free Practice session at the Red Bull Ring at the top of the time sheets, then later set the 6th fastest time in FP2. While speaking to the media after Friday’s sessions, Russell said, “I mean first practice was definitely a surprise to us. Second practice we definitely didn’t have the pace like we did this morning. The Quali runs and the race pace was a step worse so we need to analyse why that was.”
“The tarmac here is pretty abrasive, it’s normally a two-stop race. That doesn’t really suit our strengths. As I said, this morning was a real surprise, this afternoon it’s probably a bit more in line with our expectations but still fighting to get back on the podium. But the top-five range is realistically where we’re at.”
The British driver took victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last time out after securing pole position over reigning champion Max Verstappen, and also won last year’s Austrian GP following contact between race leaders Norris and Verstappen.
McLaren looking strong again this weekend
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri topped the times once again in FP2, with one-tenth between the teammates and 3 tenths to third-fastest Verstappen. Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin was just a tenth behind the Red Bull, then Charles Leclerc and George Russell rounded out the top six.
“The McLarens were mighty strong, especially this afternoon,” said Russell. “I don’t really see that changing and that was the anticipation coming into the weekend unfortunately. We’ll do our best but I don’t think we’ll be fighting for pole this weekend.”
McLaren lead Mercedes in the Constructor’s Championship by 175 points, with Ferrari 16 points behind in third.
Antonelli optimistic about Mercedes’ race pace
Russell’s teammate, Kimi Antonelli, had a positive outlook on Mercedes’ performance on Friday at the 2025 F1 Austrian GP.
“Definitely the long run was positive and we were pretty close, just towards the end we started to struggle a bit more compared to the McLaren but the first half of the stint was pretty strong.”
“Always very positive but we need to do a good Qualifying in order to start at the front and maybe we can put up a fight.”
The rookie comes into this weekend following his first podium and best result of his F1 career in Canada, and remains positive despite finishing the first and second practice sessions outside of the top 10.
