George Russell has conceded that Mercedes has only made “baby steps” progress with one of the few problems of its dominant season so far.
Russell will start the Canadian Grand Prix sprint from pole position after beating championship-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 0.068s in qualifying at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The problem for both drivers this year, however, has been their starts off the line, with the duo often dropping places as they come under threat from the Ferraris, especially, and the McLarens.
Looking ahead to Mercedes’ front-row lock-out start on Saturday, Russell said: “We’re making progress, we’re making baby steps in this regard.
“I’m not going to stand here and say we’re going to fly off the line in P1 and P2. I hope that’s going to be the case, but history tells us it’s not happened very often, or at all, this year.
“Let’s see tomorrow, but it’s a good first day.”
After seeing Antonelli win the last three grands prix to open up a 20-point cushion at the top of the drivers’ standings, Russell has come into this weekend in need of a strong result.
In landing the first blow of the weekend on Antonelli, particularly after his struggles at the last race in Miami, Russell said: “It obviously feels great after a tough Miami, but I knew what I could do. Miami is obviously a bit unique.
“This is an amazing circuit here, high grip. It feels like you’re driving a proper Formula 1 car around here, which is how it should be, and I’m glad today came together.”
With Russell and Antonelli both enjoying major upgrade packages on their W17s, the British driver felt the car is a step forward compared to what he has previously experienced.
“It’s definitely feeling great,” he said. “The team has done a great job to bring it [the package] forward. We obviously saw in Miami that McLaren was really close and Ferrari not too far behind. On a track like this, it’s really excelling.
“So I’m pleased to have it on the car, pleased to be back in P1. It’s been a little while, but still a big focus for tomorrow.”
