“Nothing more in the tank” in FP2 at F1 Canadi...

George Russell admits his timesheet-topping run throughout second observe on the F1 Canadian Grand Prix was the utmost he may get from his Mercedes.

The Brit headed the leaderboard in second practice by just 0.028s from compatriot Lando Norris.

However Russell, who says his automotive benefitted from the cooler temperatures in Montreal, says he was driving on the restrict.

Russell set his chart-topping FP2 time on the C5 medium tyres, whereas Norris was working the softest C6 compound.

The 2024 Canadian GP polesitter mentioned: “It’s good to be [at the top]. It is perhaps my first time prime of a leaderboard of the entire yr, 10 races in!

“Clearly a really optimistic day. We had larger expectations coming into this weekend due to the cooler circumstances, the observe’s fairly easy, so the tyres naturally run fairly chilly.

“We all know our weak spot, which is when it is sizzling. We battle when it is chilly and the tyres run chilly. We’re fairly aggressive, in order that was undoubtedly validation at this time.

“However, we’re making an attempt to maximise this weekend. I feel my lap was actually sturdy at this time, most likely optimised.

“There was nothing extra within the tank there. We had all of it on the desk, full beans, energy and all the remainder. Let’s have a look at what that brings.”

Regardless of being happy with Friday’s observe runs, Russell is aware of that Norris will supply him a stiffer check in Sunday’s race because the McLaren man appears to scale back his drawback to team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Norris, who’s 10 factors behind Piastri, is eyeing up his third victory of the season and Russell admits tyre technique can be essential.

Russell added: “Clearly a variety of groups are eager about this medium tyre as effectively. So, come qualifying, do you go on the delicate, do you go on the medium?

“That is one of many challenges up to now after we’ve had this C6 compound. I am positive he [Norris] can be fast. He is a championship favorite. He is at all times fairly quick, so it is robust to beat this man.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Picture by: James Sutton / Motorsport Photographs

Additional underlining the Mercedes staff’s promise in Canada, rookie Kimi Andrea Antonelli was third on Friday, 0.288s behind his team-mate Russell.

The Italian professed himself joyful along with his improved understanding of the C6 and welcomed his W16 automotive’s confidence-inducing steadiness.

“For us, undoubtedly, the automotive could be very linked,” Antonelli remarked. “It provides you confidence, in order that’s a very powerful. Hopefully, we are able to maintain the identical momentum into tomorrow.”