Strong start for Mercedes in Montreal: At the first day of training at the Grand Prix of Canada 2025, the team showed up in a dazzling constitution. George Russell drove to the top of the field in the second free training with a lap time of 1: 12,123 minutes. Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli confirmed the strong impression with third place, only 0.288 seconds behind his teammate.
For Russell it was a rare sight this season: “It is nice to stand up on the time monitor again. I think this is the first time this year – ten races took. But it was definitely a very positive day.”
The Brit attracts the good shape primarily to the external conditions: “We went into the weekend with higher expectations because it is cooler, the route is relatively smooth, the tires remain cooler – that comes towards us. Our weakness is the heat. When it gets hot, we fight. But in cooler temperatures, when the tires stay cold, we are quite competitive. Today, it was definitely confirmation.”
Russell wants to “stay a little careful”
Russell is also satisfied with his own performance: “My round was really strong today, I probably caught it optimally. There was nothing left in the tank. We had everything on the table: full performance, full program. Let’s see what’s coming tomorrow.”
At the same time, Russell remains realistic despite the best time: “You have to stay a little careful. Tomorrow will be interesting, especially because of the tire choice: soft or medium in qualifying? This new C6 mixture presents everyone with challenges. You have to weigh up.”
Video: Exclusive: Mick confirms discussions about F1 comeback
By the way, the Mercedes pilot had to answer to the commissioners after the training because he had not returned properly to the route when the harassment was shortened. The result was only a warning, since no other car was affected and he would surely drive back onto the slopes.
Antonelli after a difficult triplet lighter in the upswing
Teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli is noticeably relieved after two difficult weekends in Imola and Monaco: “It was a good day, honestly. This route is really fun. It’s not easy, but I’ve been very enjoying it so far. I am particularly pleased that I understand the C6 tire better – that was the most important thing for me after the last race.”
The 18-year-old reports on steady progress during the day: “Of course there is still a lot to do, but it felt quite good in qualifying run, and the Longrun was also decent. We are on the right track and will try to further increase tomorrow,” said the Italian.
Antonelli also confirms that the cooler conditions of Mercedes are accommodating: “The car feels very connected and gives you a lot of trust – that is most important. Hopefully we can take this swing into Saturday.”
And how does he assess the chances in the fight against McLaren and Verstappen? “It is still a bit early to say that. But you never know. I definitely do my best to fight there. My goal is to build the necessary trust for qualifying.”