George Russell believes the present Mercedes System 1 automobile is the “most inconsistent” the workforce has ever had, because it continues experiments on its improve bundle 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 working with the newest ground in Brazil, which options some minor revisions in comparison with what Hamilton had in Mexico because the workforce works on enhancing its stability.
It’s understood that there will even be minor variations between the variations that each drivers use in first apply to additional assist the workforce 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 season break, Russell mentioned there stays numerous confusion over the truth that it doesn’t appear to supply a predictable platform.
“I believe in 2022, within the form of porpoising period, doubtless that was way more disagreeable,” mentioned Russell, reflecting on Mercedes’ progress in the course of the current floor impact period.
George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photos
“However due to the character of these automobiles, 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 meanwhile is you assume it is not going to chew you, and you’ll obtain a very nice lap. After which all of a sudden nothing adjustments, otherwise you really feel nothing adjustments, and the next lap you lose all of that efficiency.
“So for sure that is in all probability probably the most inconsistent our efficiency has been as a workforce in in all probability 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 automobiles have been very small.
“We’re each going to be on the up to date ground,” he mentioned. “We have a small distinction in specification as a little bit of a trial, nevertheless it’s not an replace as such. It is simply within the realms of regular aerodynamical testing.”
Monitor floor influence
One vital issue to Mercedes’ hopes this weekend will likely be how a lot the brand new Interlagos monitor floor impacts the warmth of the tyres.
Circuit element
Photograph by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Photos
The workforce’s automobile is understood to be very delicate to trace temperatures, and the warmer it will get the more severe its efficiency might 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 aware of.
“The color of the tarmac has an influence, so the darker the color, the warmer the temperature,” he mentioned.
“On the flip aspect, it is a very clean floor, so the tyres will be capable to in all probability run hotter and be penalised much less as a result of it is so clean. That is the speculation.
“However we do not know if it’ll be good for us or dangerous 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.”
