George Russell casts doubt with 'extreme' Las Vegas verdict

George Russell has admitted he is not expecting Mercedes to be as competitive this year in Las Vegas in comparison to its display in 2024.

Russell took his fourth career pole position 12 months ago in Vegas and was largely unchallenged en route to race victory.

Mercedes took advantage of the cool conditions present in Las Vegas, a trait that has continued to suit its car into the current campaign.

However, Russell highlighted the Brackley-based squad has since developed its car in a direction that suits all conditions, which threatens to take away its advantage in cool temperatures.

“I think Vegas will be a good opportunity for us,” Russell told media including RacingNews365.

“We've still seen this year that we tend to go well on tracks where there's no tyre overheating, and I think that will be another circuit where we don't see the tyre overheating.

"Will we be as competitive as we were last year?

“I don't think so, because we've improved the car for a 24-race season.

“That will probably hinder it in some of the extreme cases, and Vegas is an extreme.”

Mercedes progressed to second place in the constructors' standings last time out in Brazil, a position it is hoping to retain across the final three rounds.

With track position proving to be vital in the outcome of race results, Russell highlighted the importance of ensuring Mercedes execute a strong qualifying as it targets the runner-up spot in the standings.

“At the end of the day, if they’re qualifying in front of us, we don’t get a chance to go wheel-to-wheel,” Russell said.