George Russell acknowledged that Mercedes' concerns regarding Ferrari's pace at the Hungarian Grand Prix became evident during Friday's practice sessions, where Ferrari showcased their strength.

Despite leading the championship with eight wins in ten races, Mercedes struggled at the tight Hungaroring, where Ferrari's cornering capabilities shone through. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton led both practice sessions, with Hamilton finishing second in the more representative second session.

Key highlights from Friday's practice include:

• Ferrari comfortably topping both sessions, indicating a strong potential for the race.
• Mercedes finishing fifth and thirteenth, with a significant 0.9s gap to their rivals, raising concerns about their single-lap pace.
• Lando Norris from McLaren placing third and Max Verstappen from Red Bull fourth, adding to the competitive mix.

Russell remarked on the unusual conditions, stating, "It was quite a strange day out there... Our single lap [pace] didn't look great. They look very, very strong."

Leclerc expressed cautious optimism, stating, "It was a relatively strong day... but the weekend is still long."

Hamilton noted the challenges posed by the windy conditions and the bumpy track, emphasizing the need for further improvements. Team principal Frederic Vasseur echoed this sentiment, reminding everyone that Friday's performance does not guarantee race success.

As the teams prepare for qualifying, the tight competition suggests a thrilling weekend ahead, with Ferrari's speed catching the attention of rivals and fans alike.