“It seems that we have taken a step forward, because on Fridays we are usually not close to the top positions”. Mercedes’ technical manager on the track, Andrew Shovlin, lost his balance a bit at the end of the FP2 session held at Silverstone, before returning to the ranks: “But I think Ferrari and Red Bull could confirm a step forward”.
Beyond the second time obtained at the end of yesterday’s practice, which nevertheless pleased both Lewis Hamilton and the 106,000 spectators present in the stands, the data that impressed Mercedes the most were those relating to the race pace.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W13
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Usually the difference compared to Ferrari and Red Bull varies from half a second to eight tenths, depending on the tracks, while yesterday Hamilton, with the same compound, was about three tenths from Leclerc, direct reference to Lewis using the same compound (average) .
“This track meets us more than others – explained Shovlin – it is a circuit suited to the characteristics of our car, but we still have some tests to do because the jumps are still there. The positive note is that the updates brought to the track this weekend are pushing us in the right direction ”.
In some parts of the track, such as Becketts, Hamilton yesterday was among the fastest drivers ever, but he paid off at Copse and Club, where Lewis appeared more in difficulty. The two riders started the weekend with identical configurations, to evaluate the management of hard and medium with the same setup.
George Russell, Mercedes-AMG
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
Russell completed a long run on hard tires, suffering a little in the opening laps (due to the very cold asphalt) but getting good feedback when the tires arrived in the correct temperature window.
“Lewis has completed a good simulation with the averages – confirmed Shovlin – but if today and tomorrow in the race the temperatures are confirmed higher, I think the tires will work better, and this will give the drivers more confidence. On fast corners you need to feel all possible grip to make the most of the car ”.
An answer on this will come today, provided that the 50% chance according to which the qualification will be held on a dry track is confirmed. But unlike other weekends seen in this early part of the season, Mercedes seemed more focused on race preparation rather than qualifying performance.
Mercedes W13 with many novelties at Silverstone: the air conveyors in front of the bellies and the front are different
Photo by: Jonathan Noble
The technicians seem to fear less for the role of third force, or the minimum wage for the Mercedes W13, the margin over McLaren and Alpine should put Russell and Hamilton safe from attacks from those behind.
The ambition is to look forward, or rather to the possibility of being able to seize an opportunity if one should present itself in the 52 laps of the race scheduled for tomorrow.
In any case, the technicians of the world champion team after the Silverstone weekend will be responsible for the analysis work aimed at understanding whether the step forward confirmed by Hamilton and Russell in the home race is the exclusive result of a good adaptation to the track or if the progress is linked. to new technical updates.
“A figure that will not be easy to obtain with precision”, confirmed Russell, while Hamilton appeared more optimistic: “We still have to check if we can reduce the hopping, but in general at the moment I’m happy with how the car has behaved. The signs are positive, but there are still many questions to be answered “.
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