Mercedes are expecting a strong challenge from McLaren at the flowing Sepang track this weekend as its characteristics should suit the world champions' car. But the team have their first major upgrade for some time and hope that will bring them into contention.
Asked whether another strong performance could change the psychology of the title fight, Russell said: "I've never really felt in a position to fight for the victories because my performances weren't strong enough. But now finally I feel I'm in a place I can fight for victory week in week out."
Antonelli had a difficult weekend in Baku, with a crash in qualifying leaving him 16th on the grid, from where he recovered to finished fifth. The Italian said: "Last weekend was probably the worst weekend from me of the season."
Lewis Hamilton has declared Frederic Vasseur as "the guy to lead us" two days after Ferrari made an unusual public statement backing their team principal. The seven-time champion said: "He's doing a fantastic job. Swapping him out won't change how the team is moving forward. If anything it will be detrimental."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing