Russell predicts ‘surprises’ in Abu Dhabi Qualifying

George Russell finished third in Abu Dhabi FP2, but stressed Mercedes needs significant improvements overnight to challenge for the front. Despite a strong single lap, Russell expressed concern over their race pace and anticipated a tight qualifying battle with Red Bull and Ferrari, potentially featuring 'surprises' from strong midfield contenders like Haas's Oliver Bearman and Kick Sauber's Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who showed impressive pace. McLaren's Lando Norris set a commanding pace, yet the field behind him was remarkably close. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, in the other Mercedes, acknowledged progress in long-run pace despite dropping to P10 in FP2, echoing the sentiment that McLaren appears a step ahead.