Mercedes determined to aim for 6th and 8th place in Monaco

The thinning was ultimately short-lived for Mercedes although it was a bit predictable. The German team which obtained its 2nd best team result of the season in Barcelona last Sunday, with George Russell 3rd and Lewis Hamilton 5th, failed to confirm his potential in qualifying in Monaco. The improvements made in Spain were not ideal for the princely route, the representatives of the German firm were satisfied with the 6th and 8th times in qualifying, far from the leading group.

Even if the qualifying session did not come to an end, it is not certain that Mercedes could really have hoped to obtain a better result in the Principality. “ 6th position is not a result to celebrate, but when you look at it objectively, there is no reason for us to be higher », notes George Russell who dominated his teammate for the fourth time this season in the exercise.

After the first day in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell complained of bounces which prevented them from expressing their full potential. This Saturday, the problems were still relevant. “ I felt like we were slower. I think we improved the car in terms of rebound, but we were slower », Analyzes Lewis Hamilton, only 8th on the starting grid.

A difficult result to swallow for Mercedes in Monaco

The urban layout of the Monaco Grand Prix with its many slow turns did not seem to suit the W13 which had shown itself quickly on Catalan soil the previous week. We were very good at low speed in the last race. We predicted it would be difficult here and I think it's even worse because of the twists and turns », Comments the native of Stevenage.

With the changes made to the 2022 single-seaters such as the switch to 18-inch tires, the star brand remains behind the Team Ferrari, untouchable in the Principality. “ I think it wasn't easy for everyone, underlines George Russell for his part. It was difficult compared to the cars of the previous era. But I think some teams seem to be more up to it, obviously Ferrari are good on the bumps, we saw that at Imola. It's very difficult for us as a team when you feel like you've optimized everything and you only finish 6th. » On a track where overtaking opportunities are rare, the rain could be of great service to Mercedes in their quest for the podium. It remains to be seen whether or not she will be invited this Sunday to Monaco.

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