Russell expects stronger Mercedes in Imola: 'Red Bull had an advantage now'

One of the external factors that played a role in Bahrain last week and also during the winter test is the wind. Bahrain is known to have a lot of wind and therefore the results here are not as representative as some people think.

George Russell, the young Williams driver, who drove his first Grand Prix for Mercedes at the Bahrain circuit last season, told Motorsport-Total.com that Mercedes are probably more affected by that wind than Red Bull Racing and that is one of the reasons why Max Verstappen was so much faster in qualifying.

In a couple of weeks, it will be very different in Imola: "It's very different there from Bahrain, where there are a lot of slow corners and the track is open. It is always very windy here. In Imola on the other hand there are fast corners. Also, there are a lot of trees and houses next to the track, so it is protected from the wind."

Russell sees the two circuits as two extremes and therefore believes the roles may well be reversed in Imola. If last season is any indication, it's going to be very exciting in Italy, as Verstappen and Mercedes were very close at the time.