In the lead on Friday, the Mercedes drivers are not getting carried away

After a complicated first session concluded in 6th place and six tenths behind Max Verstappen, the Finn of Mercedes reacted to be the fastest on Friday and precede his British teammate by three thousandths. 

« It was much better in the afternoon after a complicated morning where it was easy to make mistakes, told Bottas when he got out of the car. I experienced quite a few wheel locks and had to interrupt several flying laps. It was difficult to find the right rhythm and move on. 

For the second session, we really improved the car and were able to increase the pace. Afterwards, the track is so short (4,309 km for a lap under 70 seconds) that we are really talking about marginal details ». 

Arriving in Brazil following a complicated Mexican weekend in terms of performance and tire management, the Silver Arrows drivers were happy to see improvements in these areas even if there are still areas of improvement. gray areas to be clarified.

« The sensations in the car were better than in Mexico even if we are still working to understand and resolve some of the problems encountered there », declared Hamilton, who finished 3rd in EL1 less than a tenth of the Red Bull of head. 

« The performance of our tires did not drop much over the laps, added Bottas in conclusion. That said, higher temperatures are expected on Saturday. We will see what impact this can have on tire management and the possible appearance of blisters as we have experienced this season. 

We can't feel satisfied and think we've arrived because I think it will be very close between the three leading teams all weekend ».