Russell says power-unit demands and high rear-tyre pressures have hampered his driving style

George Russell says the demands of the new power units and high rear-tyre pressures have hampered his natural driving style. The Mercedes driver told Thursday's FIA press conference ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix that he focuses on the middle and exit of corners and gets on the throttle earlier than most.

That approach, he said, uses more energy under the new power units and is sometimes less efficient. Russell also said rear-tyre pressures have been particularly high this season, and that the rear tyre cannot cope as well when he pushes on corner exits.

Russell said Pirelli had taken a margin of a few PSI, especially on the rear axle. He described the two factors as probably the biggest issue for him this season. Earlier in the press conference, he said Mercedes' upgrade package had performed in a narrow window and that the team was trying to widen it.