For George Russell, the Mercedes “is no longer the diva it was over the last two years”

For the first time in three years, Mercedes completes winter testing of Formula 1 with optimism, however slight it may be. Unlike 2022 and 2023, the Silver Arrows finally seem satisfied with their mount, the W15. A car healthier and more pleasant in appearance than its two predecessors. George Russell, author of the second fastest time on Friday during the last day of testing in Bahrain, expressed a certain satisfaction at the end of these pre-season tests.

“The feeling of having taken a step in the right direction”

“It was great to be back in the car, driving the W15 for the first time, and I feel like I took a step in the right direction”, declared the Briton, who believes that the Brackley team had a “much better platform” with the W15, adding that “She’s no longer the diva she was the last two years. »

“Last year's car was really difficult to drive, Lewis [Hamilton] and I had no confidence in her. It felt like she was going to have us at every turn. We couldn't attack the corners at medium and high speed without the rear end sliding. We feel like we've taken a big step forward in terms of consistency. We can really lean on her better than we have in the past.", confided George Russell.

“This was a major concern throughout last year with the W14, and the team did a very good job to rectify. We now have a mechanical car that aerodynamics people can focus on to create downforce, he adds. Whereas in the past, you know, no matter what we did aerodynamically, there were underlying issues with the race car that took time to figure out. »

Red Bull stays “100% favorite” believes Russell

However, George Russell knows there is still a long way for Mercedes to reach the level of Red Bull which, according to the Briton, has “a step ahead of everyone else here in Bahrain”.

“We must not hide: our competitors have also done a very good job. We knew we had a mountain to climb with the form Red Bull showed last year, recognizes George Russell. For anyone, closing that gap would be a huge test, but it sure makes the car fun to drive. Ultimately, it's a matter of lap times. We haven't really seen where everyone stands yet, but Red Bull seems to have done a really good job yet, and they are without a doubt the favorites...100%. »

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