With a week in between, the break has allowed the drivers to return stronger to the asphalt at the F1 Japanese GP in Suzuka, including George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. With both free practice sessions completed, one driver stands out aside from the McLarens: Russell in his Mercedes.
During the first laps on Suzuka’s track, George Russell was pacing almost simultaneously as Norris. Nevertheless, multiple incidents during the second session leaves Mercedes with some unresolved doubts.
Positive mindset
Apart from the drivers, the protagonist of this weekend is the wind. The forecast conditions might change over time, with rain even predicted on Sunday. Nevertheless, George Russell believes in his driver’s abilities and the team backing him: Mercedes.
“From our side, we had a positive day. The car has been handling nicely, although we know the forecast wind change tomorrow will have an impact.”
The team must face more complications; the most direct rival for them is the Papaya Team. However, as with the weather, roles can change in a matter of seconds. As Russell stated, it is really odd seeing almost every team with no time between them.
“McLaren once again looks very strong, and there were several other teams that were competitive on the single lap.
“It’s unusual to see so many teams so close together, so we will have to be at our best to be competing near the front. If we do the job we know we can do though, I’m confident that we can be in the fight for the front two rows in qualifying.”
Towards the unknown with tyre degradation
As mentioned previously, Doohan’s incident led to the cancellation of a good chunk of the second session, along with Alonso’s mistake and the grass fires. In Mercedes’ case, they were only able to complete 4 laps with the hard tyre. For George Russell, the team is facing Sunday’s race with little information about the tyre at present.
“We were only able to complete four laps on the Hard tyre. We therefore have little data to work with in terms of degradation, and any possible graining, on that compound.”
Despite everything, and the risk of rain, Russell finishes the session with a good feeling, knowing that the team has been competitive, especially when it comes to the timing.
“There is also a threat of rain for race day which could make things interesting. The important thing for Friday though is that we were competitive on the timing screens and that gives us a good platform to build on.”
Suzuka’s Rookie: Antonelli
For the young Italian Kimi Antonelli, who is just beginning his debut season, Suzuka marks his third race behind the wheel of the Mercedes. In ninth position, Antonelli is looking to make significant progress in his weekend, as he pointed out.
“This is my first time at Suzuka and it’s an amazing track to drive! I enjoyed myself out there and I’m looking forward to building my confidence more and more as we head through the weekend.”
Antonelli made self-criticism of his second free practice session, which, although interrupted, gave him time to make some mistakes. However, he ends Friday with positive feelings about his driving.
“FP1 was a solid session for us, and I was able to put together some decent laps. FP2 was much more disrupted, and a little messy on my side. I wasn’t able to get a clean lap, and I didn’t get the most out of the car in sector one”
“We will work on that overnight, analyse the data, and come back stronger tomorrow.”
The teammates on the same boat
The 18-year-old driver agrees with his teammate on the team’s strong start and pointed out the great performance of Russell. He now eagerly awaits Free Practice 3 to continue improving.
“George did a good job all day and was consistently near the front of the field.
“The balance of the car also feels good, and I know there is more that I can extract from it. I’m looking forward to getting back out there in FP3 and using that to build positively into qualifying.”
