George Russell concluded Formula One’s official post-season tyre test with the fastest time for Mercedes at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, completing 145 laps and setting the best time of a 1:37.204s.

After driving ROKiT Williams Racing’s FW42 package on the opening day of the two-day test, George piloted Mercedes’ championship-winning F1 W10 EQ Power+ on the second as a long-term member of the German marque’s driver academy.

Completing 145 laps of the Yas Marina Circuit, George continued to evaluate Pirelli’s 2020 compounds, improving Mercedes’ understanding of the set-up requirements of the proposed tyres while also conducting a compound scan in the morning, providing data for the opening rounds of 2020.

Using the softest C5 compound, George posted the fastest lap time of the day, completing a 1:37.204 run around the 5.554km-long venue to place almost two-tenths ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
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George Russell

“It’s been a pleasure driving the championship-winning W10 today. We tested the 2020 tyres and I’ve learned a huge amount about them which I’m sure will help both myself and the team going into next season, which is very positive.
It’s been an enjoyable day at the track and I’ll get some more track-time in next week when I’ll do the tyre development test for Pirelli before my season finally comes to a close. I’m excited for a few days off to relax a little before I’m back to my training regime to get the best possible preparation for 2020.
My first season in Formula One has been a steep learning curve and I’m already looking forward to Australia when we go racing again next year.”

Getting acquainted with Mercedes’ 2019 package, George will continue to complete running for the six-time Formula One champions next week, taking part in the outfit’s first 18-inch tyre development test for Pirelli.

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Photographs Courtesy of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport

Additional Press Content Courtesy of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport

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