Russell urges caution despite Mercedes promise

George Russell is "feeling excited" by the promise Mercedes showed on the first day of the Spanish Grand Prix - but has urged caution. 

In an encouraging day for the Silver Arrows, team-mate Lewis Hamilton topped FP2 with the field looking closely matched in Barcelona. 

Mercedes has gradually clawed its way back into the leading fight over recent races, with Russell scooping a first grand prix podium of the season for the team last time out in Canada, to go with his pole position. 

Hamilton was also upbeat after Friday practice, with Russell echoing his thoughts, but urging a degree of caution heading into qualifying.

"I'm feeling excited, this is what we've been chasing for a long time but we don't want to get ahead of ourselves," Russell explained.

"Lewis did a great lap in FP2, but we always know come qualifying, Red Bull usually turn it up, Max [Verstappen] is going to be on it, Carlos [Sainz] looks fast so we expect a good fight."

Russell also highlighted a positive turnaround from Mercedes during Friday, focusing in on its qualifying pace.

"In the long run, we were probably quickest [in FP1], but maybe not quite as quick in the low fuel qualifying pace - but in the afternoon, the qualifying pace looked really strong," he said.

"I am feeling good, and the car is performing really well around this circuit.

"We were right up there with the quickest, it was only Friday, but it has been a while since we've been up there."