Mercedes deprived of pole at Zandvoort… but reassured by its performance

Within a few seconds, Mercedes achieved the same feat as in Budapest. On the Zandvoort track, the Silver Arrows took pole position. Very close to the goal, the German team was finally deprived of a second pole this season with Pérez going off the track in the penultimate corner. “With Lewis [Hamilton], we were ahead by a tenth before the incident [by Sergio Pérez]. Afterwards, we don't know what position this could have put us in, but we were in contention for pole position. But it’s a good feeling to want more! ", said Toto wolff at the end of qualifying on Saturday.

Back at the forefront after the crushing defeat at Spa-Francorchamps, Mercedes found a track at Zandvoort that suits it well. On a track similar to that of Hungary, the W13s are very efficient and in keeping with the pace of the Red Bull and Ferrari. Enough to play for victory? Toto Wolff wants to believe it. “Starting from the second row, anything is possible. We developed a car that gains much of its downforce with a low ride height, explained the Austrian director. Sometimes we can't ride low because the car hits the ground and we are forced to compromise in settings, which takes the car further from its ideal operating window. Here in Zandvoort we are able to find this window much easier. »

Mercedes drivers hungry for podium at Zandvoort

If qualifying did not give the result they hoped for, the Mercedes drivers do not despair. Aware that the W13 is at ease on the Dutch circuit, the two Britons intend to move up the hierarchy. “I’m happy that our car is much better this weekend, it’s exciting,” said Lewis Hamilton., who will start 4th on the grid. Throughout qualifying, I was only a tenth behind the Red Bull (…). I'm really happy with the setup and balance of the car. I hope that tire degradation will play a role tomorrow and that we will gain the upper hand. » In race pace during the Free Practice, the Silver Arrows showed good arguments to claim the podium... and even victory.

For George Russell, the task looks more difficult from 6th place, but the young Englishman remains confident before the start. “6th is not a bad place to start. Getting through Turn 1 and the first few laps will be key, but I don't see why we can't fight for a podium. I hope the sun will come out and create some temperature in the atmosphere tomorrow. » On the lands of Max Verstappen, Mercedes intends to play spoilsport. The German team is still chasing its first victory this year, as we reach the last third of the season...

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