George Russell denies that abandoning its zero-sidepod philosophy is the explanation for Mercedes Barcelona efficiency.
As anticipated, when launched at Monaco, the very nature of the circuit made it not possible to find out the true value of Mercedes much-anticipated improve bundle.
Nevertheless, at Barcelona the bundle was given full rein to show its significance, and with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell filling the underside steps of the rostrum, having left the likes of Aston Martin and Ferrari for lifeless, many consider the German crew has lastly turned a nook.
Following its lack of tempo within the opening races, Mercedes lastly opted to return to the drafting board and principally begin once more, with a transfer away from its controversial zero-sidepod philosophy being high of the agenda.
Nevertheless, George Russell, whereas delighted with the improve, has performed down the importance of the sidepods at a time engineers declare that the highest surfaces of a automotive contribute solely 40% of its downforce ranges, the vast majority of which come from the underfloor.
“It isn’t the sidepods what make the distinction,” Russell informed Sky Sports activities within the aftermath of Sunday’s race. “It could be an element, however the magic is not within the sidepods.
“We introduced that design to the automotive to type of rule it out, the sidepods,” he added. “The magic was executed beneath the automotive, on the ground. That is the identical for each single crew.”
Such is the Briton’s confidence, that he claimed Max Verstappen would nonetheless have gained on Sunday even when Pink Bull had immediately adopted a zero-sidepod philosophy for the RB19.
“I am certain Pink Bull might put no sidepods on their automotive and nonetheless be the quickest,” he mentioned. “It is slightly bit extra advanced than that,” he admitted, “however however, I am actually pleased with the work the crew have executed and the validation that the steps we have made are steps in the proper path.”
