George Russell Struggles with Mercedes Set-Up at Mexico GP

George Russell is encountering difficulties with the updated Mercedes Formula 1 car during Friday practice at the Mexico Grand Prix, as it was not within the ideal performance set-up.

The team introduced the upgraded W17 earlier this month, but Russell has faced challenges, including a DNF and finishes of P9 and P8 in recent races. Despite finishing third in FP2, he noted that the car's upgrades have a narrow operating window, which was evident in Mexico.

Russell acknowledged balance limitations with the car and expressed hope for improvements overnight. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped both practice sessions, with Russell identifying the need for better balance and performance management in the high-altitude conditions of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.