Regarding the tyre strategy, he added: “I think we’re planning to keep most of the soft tyres for the race, but we also need to see if we use a medium in FP3, instead of the soft. We’re just having a look for strategy for Sunday.”
While Russell is hopeful Mercedes can make progress overnight, he also pointed to the mixed weather forecasts and the potential for more rain to fall after the shower at the end of FP2.
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“As I say, FP1 was really strong, we just need to understand why we lost a little bit of pace in FP2,” stated Russell, who is one of four English drivers on the grid along with Hamilton, Norris and Thai-Brit Alex Albon.
“But I’m sure it’s all going to change again with the conditions. It’s raining now, I hope the fans aren’t getting too wet. I’m just really happy to be here and excited to go racing.”
