Mercedes focused on the 2018 single-seater during free practice

Freed from all pressure since the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles were acquired, the men and women of Mercedes focused on preparing for the 2018 season during the first day of testing for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

As chief race engineer Andrew Shovlin reveals, “this Friday was very busy for both drivers and mechanics”. Many mechanical elements were tested in the morning, in order to assess their potential for integration into the car 2018. “We had a major development program planned for next season. This forced both cars to compromise their outright performance in Free Practice 1, but despite this schedule we got through the day without any worries. »

To Valtteri Bottas (twice author of the 5th best time), the work was not focused on the quest for a great chrono, but rather on the testing of new aerodynamic parts. “We didn’t learn much for the rest of the weekend.”, recognizes the Finn. As for Lewis Hamilton, author of the best time in EL2, the four-time world champion is " thrilled " to have argued “the last day of free practice of the season”.

After champing at the bit in the morning, the two men were able to turn the horses loose at nightfall. “We have made good progress with the balance of the car”, continues Lewis Hamilton, who wears a helmet adorned with gold leaf for the occasion. “We still have a little work to do, but I feel competitive here. The positions are quite tight, and I like that. »

His stable partner, on the other hand, is less enthusiastic. “I'm losing a little time in the last sector. We need to look into this further. » Comments corroborated by Andrew Shovlin. “Valtteri is not yet comfortable with the behavior of the car on a flying lap. » The engineer believes that the battle for pole position will come down to nothing. "We expect another fight after comparing our times with those recorded by the Ferrari and Red Bull."