After “one of the best Fridays” for Mercedes, victory in sight?

To speak of satisfaction would be a euphemism to describe the mood at Mercedes in Mexico. The German clan came out of the first day of free practice with a lot of confidence. On a route with a particular environment, at more than 2 meters above sea level, the Silver Arrows mingled with the Ferrari and Red Bull in the ranking. If Free Practice 2 is not very representative because of the obligatory Pirelli tests (with George Russell setting the best time), reading Free Practice 1 indicates that the W13s are well within the pace of the best. 

The British duo from the German team did not hide their ambitions after the two test sessions. George Russell, who left his place to Nyck de Vries for EL1, is aiming for an excellent result in Mexico. “I would like to think that the podium is possible, at least. This is probably one of our best Fridays of the year, if not the best, he declared Friday evening, after Free Practice 2. Between the two of us [Russell and Hamilton], we got 14 podiums, so that's what we'll be looking to do. But without the normal flow of FP2, where you can analyze your rivals' race simulations, it's going to be difficult to know. »

The only worry for George Russell: tire temperatures. The Briton complained several times that his tires were not in the right window during his flying laps. “You can quickly have problems if the temperature is a little warmer or a little colder, and you find yourself having to manage everything on Sunday. It won't be easy on Saturday and Sunday, that's for sure. »

Hamilton feels 'really good' with the Mercedes 

On the other side of the garage, same story. Lewis Hamilton, who set the 5th time just 142 thousandths behind Carlos Sainz, echoed the feelings of George Russell. “I feel really, really good,” said the seven-time world champion. Overall, I had a very good session today. I really enjoyed riding the circuit. The car feels better and better as we work on it and understand it better. »

Arriving 4th in EL2, used for the Pirelli tests, the English driver emerged with great optimism despite the vagueness surrounding the actual performances of the other teams. “I don't know where we stand compared to others, because everyone has different agendas. Obviously George was on a different schedule, because he missed FP1, but I just focused on mine, and it was good. »

Asked if he expected the car to improve as the weekend progressed, Hamilton admitted he had no idea. “You never know with this car. Tomorrow morning she might slap me and not be level, but I hope that won't be the case. Of course, we're going to do a lot of work tonight to see if we can push ourselves a little further. »

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