Mercedes has demonstrated strong performance at the Montreal circuit, reminiscent of their success from last year. The team has excelled at generating tire temperatures in cooler conditions, a skill that seems to elude many of their competitors. George Russell topped the charts in both single lap and long-run averages during practice sessions, while teammate Kimi Antonelli also posted competitive times.
Russell and Antonelli both set their fastest single laps on the medium C5 tire, which has shown to be advantageous in balancing speed and tire management compared to the C6 tire preferred by others. This was evident as Russell completed a long run with an impressive average time of 1m 16.506s over 13 laps, closely followed by notable performances from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri of McLaren.
The day was positive for Russell, who expressed confidence in their setup, stating, “There was definitely validation today.” The cooler temperatures benefited Mercedes, known for struggling in hotter conditions, allowing them to showcase their potential. Russell emphasized the strategic choices teams face regarding tire selection for qualifying, hinting at the tactical challenges ahead.
Beyond Mercedes, the battle among McLaren and Red Bull remained fierce despite Verstappen’s lower positioning in the headline times. His best lap came after some adjustments to setup. “Today was alright,” Verstappen commented, noting the challenges faced in FP2 but remaining optimistic about their prospects.
Meanwhile, the situation was less favorable for Ferrari following Charles Leclerc’s crash in FP1, which halted his participation for the day. Lewis Hamilton, stepping in for Leclerc’s duties, faced challenges with tire overheating, indicating the general struggle drivers experienced in managing tire health throughout the sessions.
Overall, as the teams prepare for qualifying, the cool conditions in Montreal have provided an opportunity for several teams to shine, particularly Mercedes, while setting the stage for an exciting race weekend ahead. The impressive performances by both drivers highlight a positive turning point for Mercedes, emphasizing their resilience and competitiveness in varied conditions.