Button doesn't think Mercedes can pull through: 'Red Bull sets the pace'

Former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button praised the race pace of Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on the wet Suzuka, but he expects Red Bull Racing to be the team to beat in dry conditions.

On a wet Suzuka, Mercedes came on strong in the second free practice session, after Hamilton and Russell clocked 13th and 18th times respectively in FP1. Despite the good pace shown by both drivers during FP2, Button does not expect Mercedes to set the tone in qualifying.

On Saturday, it is expected to remain dry and Button predicts the RB18 will set the pace in "normal conditions". "It's a fast track and Red Bull Racing are strong in the high-speed corners. They are the ones who will set the pace on a dry track," the former Formula 1 driver told Sky Sports.

Moreover, he also expects Ferrari to enter the fray on a dry track. "Charles Leclerc is always good, especially when it comes to setting a good lap in the last part of qualifying," he continued. Button also saw good race pace among the Mercedes drivers, but expects the W13 to give way in a dry qualifying session.