Mercedes 'doing better than expected', but Russell reveals worrying trait

11:07, 02 May

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell dubs Mercedes' season start as better than expected, but reveals race pace is a concern, and sees Jeddah's woes replicating during the Miami Grand Prix.

According to Russell, Mercedes has been doing better than expected, but they are still not McLaren's clear-cut pursuer as their performance might suggest, stressing the team's consistency as the reason behind their strong form.

"No, I think it's probably better than our pre-season expectations, to be honest," said the Briton during the FIA drivers' press conference in Miami.

"The pace has fallen out where we thought – that step behind McLaren and then a close fight with Red Bull and Ferrari. We've been doing really well to get those podiums, but I don't think it necessarily means we are the second fastest team."

"I think sort of on average we’re the third fastest team. We saw Charles had a great race last week and obviously Max the last couple of races, but we've just been nicely consistent and picking up points."

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Russell was 'driving quicker than the Mercedes could go in Jeddah'

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, though, Russell doesn't think much of his chances to score another strong result and after issuing a bold claim of surpassing his machinery's possibilities he expects a Jeddah-like performance to be replicated in Miami, regardless if the German team's qualifying pace is there.

"I was probably driving too quick for what the tyres and the car were capable of, and then we dropped off a cliff. Not too sure how this weekend’s going to pan out because in terms of temperatures and tyres, it'll be relatively similar to Jeddah."

"We'll have to wait and see and see if any of the learnings we've taken from last week translate into a bit of performance. I’m confident the quali pace will be there or thereabouts, but the race pace – there’s a bit more of a question mark."