22/06/2025 09:45
George Russell has claimed Mercedes is "under no illusions" over
the performance of the W16, despite a strong result in the Canadian
Grand Prix. The British driver took his fourth career win at the
round in Montreal whilst team-mate Kimi Antonelli secured his
maiden F1 podium finish, in third. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old is
well aware of how the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve suited his car,
even if temperatures were hotter than anticipated - the Mercedes
typically prefers cooler conditions to thrive. 12 months ago,
Russell took pole position, as he also did this time around, but
failed to convert it into victory, a triumph he has since felt he
let slip away. However, after getting it right the second time
around, the Mercedes driver shared his surprise at the pace and
consistency he enjoyed over the 70-lap race. "I was, to be
honest," Russell told media including, RacingNews365 , when asked
about that. "There wasn't much tyre overheating even though it was
hot. "It's a very smooth tarmac here in Canada. There are quite low
speed corners, so the tyres aren't under much stress. "I think we
expected a bit more tyre overheating considering the track
temperature, but we're under no illusions that this really suited
the strengths of our car the same way as it did last year." Despite
the result, Russell does not believe Mercedes has made a
breakthrough in similar climatic conditions. However, he was keen
to underline how clinical the team had been when presented an
opportunity. "But for the majority of the circuits, we know it's a
bit of a challenge, and that's why this is the first weekend both
of us are on the podium," he said. "But it's great to see that when
we get that chance, we take it."
