George Russell admits that Mercedes’ chances for a strong weekend at the UK Grand Prix depend on cool weather conditions.
The most deployed Mercedes driver in the Silverstone FP2 was Kimi Antoneri.
The Italians were sixth fastest in the final category, down over 0.5 seconds at McLaren’s Landnoris.
Russell got slightly worse in the second Mercedes, eventually coming in eighth place, nearly two-half of his teammates.
Mercedes is usually worse off in hot conditions throughout the season.
With Silverstone expected to be significantly cooler on Saturday and Sunday, Russell is optimistic that Mercedes will rise towards performance.
“It’s not too close today, but it’s a little warmer today. The truck is 40 degrees and cools down for the rest of the weekend,” he said.
“It’s a bit frustrating for us that everyone at the mercy of the weather needs to improve that, especially now, we are in the summer months.
“We’re doing everything we can to improve it. Our fate changes the rest of the weekend a little and I think it’s coming towards us.
“We can’t be at the mercy of the weather. We’re now.”
Mercedes “I didn’t feel very bad” – Antonelli
Antonelli enjoyed a more positive session with the Mercedes W16.
The 18-year-old will need to offer a third-place grid penalty after crashing Max Verstappen from the opening lap of the Austrian Grand Prix, but he was pleased on Friday.
“It wasn’t the easiest of the day,” Antonelli explained.
“I have so much joy around here. The temperatures were much higher than I expected today. Overall, I honestly didn’t feel like the car wasn’t that bad.
“Obviously there’s a bit of work to do and drive. I hope tomorrow will be cooler. That’s what the predictions say. Let’s see what we can do.”
Prior to Sunday’s race, Mercedes sits third in the F1 constructor standings, one point behind Ferrari.
Mercedes claimed its first victory in the Canadian Grand Prix in June.
The temperature of the cooler truck and a more suitable truck layout will be revived as Mercedes’ strengths.