F1 | The news makes Mercedes drivers smile: “We are much closer”

There seems to be optimism at Mercedes. After introducing an initial package of innovations in Miami, the Brackley team continued the development of the W15 also in Imola, with a revised floor, new brake ducts and above all a new rear wing.

Measures that seem to have given positive results, because Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished with the fourth and fifth times of the day, about four tenths behind the best reference of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. But it is above all the sensations behind the wheel that seem to have left a good taste in the mouth.

“It was a good start to the weekend. We are much closer than in the past. Or at least it seems like it, we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. But I’m really grateful to everyone at the factory for pushing so hard to bring these updates, because we’re seeing improvements in the car and our performance on the track,” Hamilton said.

Among other things, in the afternoon session for the seven-time world champion there was also a moment of tension with Max Verstappen, with a potential impediment coming out of Villeneuve which gave rise to an angry reaction from the Red Bull driver.

“It’s just that I was on a return lap and I thought I was OK. But suddenly he came at me and in the end it was my mistake and I tried to apologize, but I think he was already too frustrated.”

Returning to Mercedes’ good day, Russell’s sensations were also positive, both in terms of the fastest lap and race pace. George, in fact, also seems convinced that he is closer than the last race in Miami, confirming Hamilton’s sensations.

“The car was really good today and I think both Lewis and I had a great feeling behind the wheel, which was really nice. We looked reasonably competitive, a little bit closer than we showed in Miami. But only with the qualifications we will find out where we really stand,” Russell said.

The British driver then also made a prediction on the values ​​in the field, even if it is only Friday: “I think McLaren is still the favorite at the moment and probably the fastest. They were so fast after China. However, the team has done a great job bringing these new parts to the car and it’s a step forward,” he concluded.