Russell banks on Singapore and Austin for Mercedes victory

Are we going to have a clean season of success at Mercedes ? The German team, still looking for a first victory in 2022, could break a 10-year-long streak. The Silver Arrows have triumphed at least once during each campaign of F1 since 2012. Since the start of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014, Mercedes has won an average of 14 Grands Prix per year! A mind-blowing number which suffered a huge setback with the new regulations this season. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have not yet managed to occupy the top step of the podium, despite having been on the box 13 times in total.

Despite a positive dynamic since mid-season, with a pole at the Hungaroring for the W13, George Russell believes that there are not many opportunities left to hope for a victory before the end of the championship. According to the young Englishman, out of the last 6 races of the season, 2 could be within the reach of the Silver Arrows. “Singapore could be interesting, but historically it's a circuit where Mercedes has struggled a bit. We know that on the street circuits this year we have not performed very well. (…) Otherwise, I would probably say Austin. I think Austin might be a circuit that suits us better, but I really don't know." confided the ex-pilot Williams.

“We understand the car better and better” assures Russell

While most teams have shifted their resources to the 2023 car, Mercedes continues to study and evolve its car current. Objective: to understand how and why the W13 does not work on certain circuits and strives for victory on other tracks. The lack of consistency in the performance of the German car is compensated by the optimization of results over each race weekend, with a Russell – Hamilton duo impressively consistent.

Nonetheless, the Briton is excited by the speed of development Mercedes has shown so far this season, as the team moves closer to the two leading teams, Red Bull et Ferrari. “I think as a team we are making huge progress at the moment and we are understanding the car better and better, said George Russell, who took his 7th podium of the season at the Italian Grand Prix, his 4th in five races. “I hope that by further developing the car we can make further gains. » Quickly, because there are only 6 Grand Prix left to unlock the counter!

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