Mercedes drivers cautious after dominating free practice

As in Imola (Italy) two weeks ago, Mercedes set the best time during the two free sessions on Friday in Portimão (Portugal), Lewis Hamilton relaying this time Valtteri Bottas at the top of the timesheet. 

However, the German manufacturer's drivers are refraining from any triumphalism after an opening day marked by precarious grip conditions on a Lusitano track swept by gusts of wind and which had received a new coating before the previous visit of the F1 October 2020.  

Author of the best time in EL2, Hamilton regrets that Pirelli did not select softer compounds. The Italian manufacturer has once again brought its hardest range – C1, C2, C3 – knowing that the 2021 envelopes are structurally more resistant as well. 

« Last year the tires were too hard and it's the same this year, the tires are even harder, commented the seven-time world champion. We should have gone with an intermediate selection – C2, C3, C4 – but we are all in the same boat ». 

Performance-wise, Hamilton expects a very competitive competition with Red Bull and its leader Max Verstappen, who was 0”143 from his mark on Friday afternoon.

« I think it will be tight, added the Briton. I didn't see Max's trick but mine wasn't perfect. We can still improve the car to gain time but I'm sure it's the same thing on their side. I expect a fight as intense as in the first 2 races, which is stimulating ».

After being the fastest in EL1, Bottas slipped to 3rd in the afternoon and was just over 3/10th behind his teammate. The reference of the day is still the property of the Finn in 1’19”648, compared to 1’19”837 for Hamilton in EL2.

« The tarmac is quite slippery, the rear of the car tended to wander in certain areas, reported Bottas. 

Personally, I had the feeling that the driving situation became more complicated with the softer tires. I find that the Medium is the best compound and I did not manage to set a clean lap with the softs during FP2. 

It will be tight with Red Bull, I have the impression that the coin could fall on either side in qualifying. Whoever can unlock the most performance between now and the session will be on pole ».

Verdict Saturday afternoon.