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Wolff pleased with Russell’s Sprint Qualifying performance

by sports••0
Wolff pleased with Russell’s Sprint Qualifying performance
Toto Wolff never doubted George Russell, the Mercedes team boss proudly declared after the Briton took Sprint pole at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Russell finished marginally ahead of his young teammate Kimi Antonelli to secure the best starting position for Saturday’s Sprint at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Wolff never questioned George Russell’s abilities despite his difficulties at the Miami Grand Prix. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s only the baby race but still it’s good to see the pace is there, also for his (Russell’s) confidence. But I’ve never doubted, we’ve never doubted in that. Miami was a bad track.”

Antonelli finished close behind his teammate, as only 0.063 seconds separated the two competitors. About the young Italian, Wolff added: “It’s always clear that the kiddo is fast and has shown that. I think it’s good for both of them to fight like this. It makes the team faster, and there’s not a lot in it.”

Photo: Race Pictures

Wolff satisfied with updates

The German outfit has brought a significant update package to the Canadian Grand Prix. They have a revised front wing and endplate aimed at improving airflow conditioning, alongside changes to the front corner area, including a reduced upper lip camber and enlarged inlet and exit sizes to enhance cooling.

Speaking about the changes on the W17, Wolff said: “It was enormous workload that was being brought to the car. I think if Lewis doesn’t make the mistake in the hairpin, he’s probably fighting for pole with us.

“So, we need to see what it brings in the real qualifying tomorrow and the race. I don’t want to get neither too greedy, (thinking) ‘is that good enough or not?’ But on the other side, also not too negative.”

The Mercedes drivers will have the best positions on the grid on Saturday, but both McLaren and Ferrari are hoping to take advantage of the race start and make up places. The Woking-based team’s drivers will line up on the second row, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will complete the third row.