Mercedes optimistic about performance after Silverstone Practice

Paolo D’Alessandro, Jaden Diaz
06/07/2024

Mercedes are keen to deliver a positive performance in Silverstone, a home race for Hamilton and Russell. The W15 has shown a very strong trajectory since Monaco, and the objective is to sustain this. At the moment, McLaren and Red Bull are at the front – with Max Verstappen making he difference in the RB20.

The Brackley-based team is currently third-fastest, with Ferrari struggling to optimise their updates. The Mercedes duo were happy with their pace on Friday, although another step forward is needed overnight.

DRIVERS AGREE: FP1 WAS POSITIVE, WIND AFFECTED THE W15’S BALANCE IN FP2. OPTIMISM REMAINS

At the end of the day, Mercedes remains somewhat optimistic, though still aware there is work to do on Saturday.

“The car behaved positively. The times are not representative of our real speed, even if compared to those in front, there is perhaps still a gap to close,” commented Lewis Hamilton after the two free practice sessions.

The seven-time world champion still defines this Friday as encouraging. George Russell, on the other hand, did not feel very comfortable in the second free practice session.

“In FP1, everything went well, while in FP2, the car was a bit difficult to drive. There was more wind, and we were unable to put the tyres in the right window of use.”

Russell explained the importance of understanding why these factors impacted the W15 so severely yesterday, to avoid them from becoming limiting factors in the remainder of the weekend.

Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director at Mercedes, gave similar comments to the drivers:
“FP1 was positive, the car was balanced, and the drivers were happy. In FP2, however, with the wind, the car was less stable. It was positive to notice these differences today, so we can work to resolve these small problems and try to make a step forward in view of tomorrow,” commented the English engineer.
It will be very important to keep an eye on the weather, which today was already variable and not perfectly in line with the forecast. “The conditions will change again during the weekend, and it will be important to be able to adapt,” said George Russell.
The levels of competitiveness, however, seems to be those of the last races. Max and McLaren in front, and us fighting with Ferrari. We hope to make a step forward,” concluded the 26-year-old.

Autori

SEGUICI SU

Podcast