F1 news: Mercedes ‘satisfied’ with the Miami Grand Prix


After a qualifying session to overlook on Saturday, Mercedes bounced again on Sunday with a strong efficiency that noticed each Lewis Hamilton and George Russell work their means into the factors. Regardless of beginning thirteenth, Hamilton was capable of make up important floor on the observe and are available sixth. For his half Russell labored his means from sixth in the beginning into fourth, giving the group a P4 and a P6 for his or her efforts.

Mercedes opted to begin Hamilton on the arduous compound, hoping to achieve some positions on the observe over the course of the race. Nevertheless, as Group Principal Toto Wolff famous within the group’s post-race media debrief, others round Hamilton executed the identical technique. Nonetheless, Hamilton fought arduous, and in the long run obtained himself into the factors.

“Saturday was tough, however I at all times attempt to flip negatives into positives. Going from P13 to P6 is first rate and I had a variety of enjoyable making my means via; it was nice to have a number of battles, so I loved it,” famous the seven-time World Champion. “It wasn’t spectacular in the beginning as we have been caught in a DRS prepare and struggling to overhaul. I needed to bide my time after which finally, I used to be capable of begin attacking. The automotive was a lot better on the medium tyre and got here alive halfway via the race.”

Russell was capable of fend off a problem from Carlos Sainz of Ferrari to complete in fourth, and the driving force known as Sunday a “satisfying” race for the group.

That was a very satisfying race for us right this moment. “After the challenges in qualifying, it felt like a extra regular day for us. To complete P4 on advantage and end forward of the Ferraris was the utmost we might have achieved. The battle with Carlos (Sainz) was actually gratifying. I made a superb transfer that wanted a variety of dedication because the observe is so soiled off-line,” said Russell after the race.

Maybe most notable was the teamwork proven by the duo. Round Lap 31 Hamilton was forward of Russell, and Hamilton let Russell by as his automotive had the faster tempo at that second. Russell radioed into the field his thanks, and pushed forward to trace down Sainz in entrance of him.

All of the events famous the teamwork of their post-race feedback.

“Because of Lewis for letting me by too and enabling me to get on with my race as we have been in numerous battles right this moment. We’ve obtained a very good relationship and we solely need what’s finest for the Group. That’s what we’re working towards,” mentioned Russell after the Miami Grand Prix.

“It was additionally improbable to see the way in which [Lewis] and George labored collectively. They’re each unimaginable drivers, however it’s so simple with them,” mentioned Wolff. “That’s so good for us on this tough second.”

“We may be glad with the end result right this moment contemplating our begin positions. Our qualifying efficiency yesterday meant that the rostrum locations have been out of attain for George, and Lewis had an actual mountain to climb from thirteenth,” added Andrew Shovlin, the group’s Trackside Engineering Director. “However, via nice overtaking and superb teamwork, with Lewis permitting George via to assault vehicles forward, we maximized our efficiency and factors. We’ve due to this fact had an honest day within the championship; we’re in an in depth combat with Aston Martin and Ferrari and we’ve gained some floor.”

Mercedes will now flip their sights on Imola, and the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in a number of weeks. A yr in the past Russell discovered himself fourth, whereas Hamilton was again in P13. However the “glass half empty” individuals at Mercedes are hoping for a fair higher understanding of the W14 within the coming weeks.

“We transfer on to Imola subsequent and I hope that we’ll take a step in our understanding of the automotive,” concluded Wolff. “We’re glass half empty individuals right here at Mercedes; I don’t imagine we’ll go there and be in the midst of the combat for victory. We’re centered on understanding the upgrades we convey and establishing a superb baseline.”