F1
Mercedes will be “one to two tenths behind Ferrari and Red Bull” at Paul-Ricard, predicts Russell
Mercedes hopes to be even closer to Ferrari and Red Bull on the Paul-Ricard circuit © Germain Hazard / DPPI
Optimism is essential among Mercedes. After a series of three good Grands Prix, the Flèches d’Argent are now aiming for the top of the rankings. The developments made at Silverstone seem to correspond to what was expected for the German team. After the two podiums and the 76 points scored over the last 3 weekends, only victory eludes the world champion team.
In France, on a circuit which should suit the W13, there are many reasons to believe it. Mercedes is bringing a new evolution of its front wing to Le Castellet, with the aim of reducing the gap with Ferrari et Red Bull. In any case, this is what George Russell hopes before the French Grand Prix. “There are a lot of expectations on Mercedes this weekend, I don’t really know where it comes from, declared the Briton Thursday. It's going to be hot, which will favor us a little longer. Yes, we want to play for victory. But realistically, if we do everything perfectly, I think we will still be a tenth or two behind Ferrari and Red Bull. »
“This is the first time this season that we have understood the Mercedes,” said Russell.
Getting closer and closer to the two leading teams throughout the races, Mercedes is improving rapidly. To the point of being cited as one of the favorite teams at Paul-Ricard. The “small improvements” that the Flèches d’Argent will install on the W13 in Le Castellet are part of the continuity of the progression of the car. Progress that George Russell was keen to highlight. “It’s the first time this season that we really understand the car and understand what needs to change to make it go faster. We spent so much time trying to figure out what the problems were, how to solve them. Before, we rarely made the car go faster. »
Having reached the halfway point of the season in Austria, the German team now hopes to experience a second half of the season with more success. “We knew from the first test that the start of the season was going to be tricky. Now I think we are in a position with the team, said George Russell. We can build on this and make good progress. »
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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