George Russell thinks FP “lap times are a little bit deceiving”

© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd

After topping both Sakhir Grand Prix free practice sessions on Friday, George Russell says his result is not representative of his true pace.

The F1 world got really excited when they saw Russell jump from Williams into a Mercedes and immediately top both Sakhir Grand Prix free practice sessions. However, the Briton says he was not the quickest person on the track today.

“I do think the lap times are a little bit deceiving at the moment and aren’t a true representation of our pace,” said Russell.

“I thought FP2 was not a great session for me, I struggled, especially on high fuel, and ultimately that’s going to be key on Sunday.

“So still have a lot of work to do to get comfortable in the car, get comfortable with the set up and make some improvements, because I think tomorrow is going to be a different story.”

Russell was asked if he felt he got the hang of all the different systems in his W11, but the Briton admits he still has a lot to learn.

“Absolutely not to be honest. There is so much to take in, to learn. Lap after lap I’m just learning more and more.

“I’m doing my absolute best to be prepared as possible, but jumping in the car with a day and a half notice is tricky. I’m doing my best, it was a good first day but there’s definitely work to be done.

“Race starts are ok. They are improving. They are not Lewis Hamilton level to say the least but they are getting better.

“So, loads of practice tonight sat in the car, trying and trying and modifying clutch pedals to try to suit my fingers a bit more.

“Like I say, there is so much I need to get on top of in a short period of time to do that. I think we’re in for a long night…”


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Russell already mentioned how his size is a problem, as the W11 is a bit tight for him and now after spending some more time in the car, he says he is feeling “battered and bruised”.

“We’ve already gone through what needs to change. It’s not the work of a moment, changing the seat here and there. I’m working hard with the guys to try to improve that for Sunday.”

And does the young Briton think his P1 in practice set the bar a bit too high for qualifying?

“I don’t know to be honest. Just because I’ve been quickest today, that doesn’t mean that’s where I’m going to be tomorrow.

“[Max] Verstappen was incredibly quick in the long runs, Valtteri was quickest in P2 before he had his lap deleted.

“He probably only gained half a tenth in all honesty. So I’m probably a tenth and a half behind Valtteri on the low fuel.

“But we’ll see, we are getting better,” concluded Russell.

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