George Russell believes the present Mercedes Components 1 automobile is the “most inconsistent” the group has ever had, because it continues experiments on its improve package deal in Brazil.
With Russell and Lewis Hamilton having each endured crashes with the newest model of the W15 since america Grand Prix, Mercedes is attempting to resolve why there appears to be some quirkiness with its dealing with.
Each Mercedes drivers are dedicated to operating with the newest flooring in Brazil, which options some minor revisions in comparison with what Hamilton had in Mexico because the group works on enhancing its stability.
Watch: How a New Darker Observe Floor May Outline the Complete Brazil GP – F1 Media Day Response
It’s understood that there can even be minor variations between the variations that each drivers use in first observe to additional assist the group get a greater understanding of what it wants.
Whereas Mercedes has had some good instances with its automobile this season, successful three out of 4 races earlier than the summer time break, Russell stated there stays a variety of confusion over the truth that it doesn’t appear to supply a predictable platform.
“I feel in 2022, within the form of porpoising period, doubtless that was much more disagreeable,” stated Russell, reflecting on Mercedes’ progress through the latest floor impact period.
“However due to the character of these vehicles, it was far tougher to get near the restrict since you’re actually leaping round each single nook, and also you knew that it was going to chew you.
“The issue we have with this automobile in the intervening time is you suppose it is not going to chew you, and you’ll obtain a very nice lap. After which immediately nothing modifications, otherwise you really feel nothing modifications, and the next lap you lose all of that efficiency.
George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
“So for sure that is most likely probably the most inconsistent our efficiency has been as a group in most likely perpetually.”
Russell defined that the variations in flooring, with the Briton getting his new model again on the automobile after it was repaired following his Austin qualifying crash, throughout the 2 vehicles have been very small.
“We’re each going to be on the up to date flooring,” he stated. “We have got a small distinction in specification as a little bit of a trial, but it surely’s not an replace as such. It is simply within the realms of regular aerodynamical testing.”
Observe floor affect
One important issue to Mercedes’ hopes this weekend shall be how a lot the brand new Interlagos observe floor impacts the warmth of the tyres.
The group’s automobile is understood to be very delicate to trace temperatures, and the warmer it will get the more severe its efficiency could be.
With early predictions pointing to the newly-resurfaced darkish asphalt being hotter than it was earlier than, Russell thinks it is a component that Mercedes must be conscious of.
Circuit element
Photograph by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Pictures
“The color of the tarmac has an affect, so the darker the color, the warmer the temperature,” he stated.
“On the flip facet, it is a very easy floor, so the tyres will be capable to most likely run hotter and be penalised much less as a result of it is so easy. That is the idea.
“However we do not know if it may be good for us or unhealthy for us. Austin was one of the best instance: Friday qualifying, we’re each combating for pole. Saturday qualifying, Lewis is out in Q1, I find yourself within the wall and nothing has modified.”
