Russell puts Mercedes back on top in Miami practice

MIAMI: George Russell put his revived Mercedes team back on top of the Formula One timesheets with the fastest lap in second practice for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix on Friday (May 6).

In a boost for the champions who have wrestled with a "porpoising", or bouncing, car in the first four races, the Briton was 0.106 of a second faster than Ferrari's overall leader Charles Leclerc.

Russell's impressive time of one minute 29.938 seconds made Mercedes look more competitive than they have so far this campaign.

"We always knew that the warm conditions here in Miami would suit our car better – we’ve suffered with getting temperature in the tyres at previous races so that’s a big factor here," said Russell.

"The car is running well but it’s only Friday, we’re not getting carried away. It’s probably been the most productive Friday we’ve had this season in terms of learning," he added.

Leclerc had been 0.071 quicker than the Briton in the opening session with a lap of 1:31.098.

Red Bull's world champion Max Verstappen, who was third in first practice, failed to set a time in the second session after his car suffered an hydraulics problem and the brakes overheated.

"He's had a horrible day," said team boss Christian Horner. "It's frustrating not to have that track time."

His Mexican team mate Sergio Perez was third fastest in practice two but was unimpressed with the Miami track.

"I am really disappointed there is no grip off-line. It’s a shame because I think the racing will be bad due to that. As soon as you try to go off-line, there is no grip," the Mexican said.

Leclerc and Verstappen have each won twice this season, with the Ferrari man 27 points clear of the Dutch 24-year-old whose efforts have been undermined by mechanical problems