Mercedes drivers admit they wonder why they do so well in Las Vegas
Mercedes started at Las Vegas Grand Prix as a team that will win by doing a double in FP1 and then leading in FP2. Their drivers were delighted with the speed of the car, but both admitted that they did not know where such characteristics came from.
“I felt pretty good,” said Lewis Hamilton, who was fastest of the day and finished first in Free Practice 2. “I think this is the first time this year that I’ve had a day like this. FP1, not much in FP2, so we have a lot to work on overnight. It’s hard to say exactly where we are and why we are where we are, but I liked the track and we’ll see if the car stays the same. Tomorrow.
A similar positive surprise came from George Russell, who, after finishing second in the first practice, finished third in the second, but less than two tenths clear of his teammate. “Yes, incredible day. I would like to tell you why, to be honest, we ask ourselves why he was so positive,” he commented.
“Obviously it’s just free practice, but the car works well.” However, he is careful. “But you know, we’re on a street circuit. The track is very dirty, it gets faster and faster every lap, and just because we were fast today doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to do it again the next day. , when the track “Probably will be three seconds faster. So it’s a pleasant surprise.”
Hamilton admits the goal now is to achieve long-course performance similar to one-lap speed: “The race pace isn’t that good, so it’s going to take some work overnight to try and figure out how we can improve the race pace.” without losing real rhythm on the lap.”
The seven-time champion comes to Las Vegas after the disastrous Sao Paulo Grand Prix but insists he never lost faith in himself: “I feel good, yes, I knew it wasn’t my driving style. I’m working hard and I hope I can rest well and come back strong.”
Finally, Russell was reminded of all the times Mercedes seemed to be the benchmark team on Fridays and then fell behind, but assured that it was somewhat beneficial reading. When asked if he was afraid that would happen again on the Las Vegas Strip, he replied: “No, not at all, and I think the idea that we’re losing productivity is not entirely fair. I think it’s more of a Question: Our competitors may not be using their full capacity. On Friday they may use a little more fuel than us, and when they have less they will be back to normal. Of course, there is a possibility that it will happen again this time. the difference we showed today in both sessions was quite significant.
“But I’m sure the other opponents will work hard throughout the night to close that gap and I just hope we can continue our good form,” he concluded.