George Russell discusses McLaren's speed threat before F1 Austria GP
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 5:50 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Ahead of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, George Russell of Mercedes expressed concerns about McLaren's competitive pace during Friday’s practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring. Kimi Antonelli outperformed all drivers, leading both practice sessions, while Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris from McLaren followed closely behind. Russell identified McLaren as a significant threat to Mercedes' performance this weekend, reflecting the heightened competition as the season progresses.
- •George Russell highlights McLaren as a 'real threat' to Mercedes this weekend.
- •Kimi Antonelli topped both practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring.
- •Antonelli was 0.237 seconds faster than McLaren's Oscar Piastri in FP2.
- •Russell's comments indicate increased competition among top teams.
- 5:50 PMMotorsport.com — George Russell identifies "concerning" McLaren pace as a 'real threat' in F1 Austria GP
- 5:50 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell identifies "concerning" McLaren pace as a 'real threat' in F1 Austria GP
"Mercedes driver George Russell has identified McLaren as a 'real threat' to his team at this weekend's Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix after being concerned by the papaya team's race pace in Friday practice. Kimi Antonelli topped both practice sessions on a scorching Red Bull Ring on Friday, and in FP2 the Italian was 0.237s faster than McLaren's Oscar Piastri and another tenth clear of Lando ...Keep reading
"Mercedes' George Russell says McLaren's practice pace in Austria was a "real surprise", with the papaya team shrugging off the Briton's comments
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJun 26, 2026, 5:50 PMGeorge Russell identifies "concerning" McLaren pace as a 'real threat' in F1 Austria GP
Mercedes driver George Russell has identified McLaren as a 'real threat' to his team at this weekend's Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix after being concerned by the papaya team's race pace in Friday practice. Kimi Antonelli topped both practice sessions on a scorching Red Bull Ring on Friday, and in FP2 the Italian was 0.237s faster than McLaren's Oscar Piastri and another tenth clear of Lando ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 5:50 PMGeorge Russell identifies "concerning" McLaren pace as a 'real threat' in F1 Austria GP
Mercedes' George Russell says McLaren's practice pace in Austria was a "real surprise", with the papaya team shrugging off the Briton's comments
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