George Russell admits his timesheet-topping run during second practice at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix was the maximum he could get from his Mercedes.

The Brit headed the leaderboard in second practice by just 0.028s from compatriot Lando Norris.

But Russell, who says his car benefitted from the cooler temperatures in Montreal, says he was driving at the limit.

Russell set his chart-topping FP2 time on the C5 medium tyres, while Norris was running the softest C6 compound.

The 2024 Canadian GP polesitter said: “It’s nice to be [at the top]. It might be my first time top of a leaderboard of the whole year, 10 races in!

“Obviously a very positive day. We had higher expectations coming into this weekend because of the cooler conditions, the track’s quite smooth, so the tyres naturally run quite cold.

“We know our weakness, which is when it’s hot. We struggle when it’s cold and the tyres run cold. We’re pretty competitive, so that was definitely validation today.

“Nevertheless, we’re trying to maximise this weekend. I think my lap was really strong today, probably optimised.

“There was nothing more in the tank there. We had it all on the table, full beans, power and all the rest. Let’s see what that brings.”

Despite being satisfied with Friday’s practice runs, Russell knows that Norris will offer him a stiffer test in Sunday’s race as the McLaren man looks to reduce his disadvantage to team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Norris, who is 10 points behind Piastri, is eyeing up his third victory of the season and Russell admits tyre strategy will be critical.

Russell added: “Clearly a number of teams are thinking about this medium tyre as well. So, come qualifying, do you go on the soft, do you go on the medium?

“That’s one of the challenges so far when we’ve had this C6 compound. I’m sure he [Norris] will be quick. He’s a championship favourite. He’s always pretty fast, so it’s tough to beat this guy.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images

Further underlining the Mercedes team’s promise in Canada, rookie Kimi Andrea Antonelli was third on Friday, 0.288s behind his team-mate Russell.

The Italian professed himself happy with his improved understanding of the C6 and welcomed his W16 car’s confidence-inducing balance.

“For us, definitely, the car is very connected,” Antonelli remarked. “It gives you confidence, so that’s the most important. Hopefully, we can keep the same momentum into tomorrow.”