Latest Episode | Cut To The Race Podcast
Mercedes driver George Russell was happy with Mercedes’ performance in FP1 and FP2, despite encountering a “shaking” W15 car during both sessions.
The Brackley team have had a tough start to their 2024 campaign. However, the first two practice sessions in Monaco went smoothly for the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton topped FP1 and finished second in FP2, showing the clear pace of the W15. Meanwhile, Russell finsihed in third and 10th respectively.
The whole thing was shaking
As smooth as the lap times may have suggested, Russell’s experience in his W15 was certainly not a smooth one. The Briton had to abort his fastest attempt in FP2, due to going too deep at the Nouvelle Chicane under braking.
The Mercedes driver was asked about his experience in his W15 with all the shaking. He responded to F1TV:
“As soon as I touched the brakes, the whole thing was shakingto bits. So I don’t know what was going on.”
“I tried my best, holding it [the wheel] was hard as I could, but the thing kept shaking.
“So, you know, on a track like this where you need confidence to attack, it really set us back and we just decided to call it a day during the long run and analyse what was going on.”
Best Friday this year
Both Hamilton and Russell have had to cope with the W15 not performing as well as their rival teams this year. However, it was the first time this year seeing Mercedes up there at the top. Russell was asked whether he was “pleasantly surprised” with how well the W15 was performing around the streets of Monte Carlo.
“Today’s been one of our best Friday’s, no doubt. The car’s feeling the best I’ve ever felt around Monaco.
“There’s lots of positives. Everyone’s developing so quickly at the moment and we see how quick the lap times are today compared to last year.
“We’re way, way quicker, potentially even breaking the lap record. Someone will probably do tomorrow, hopefully us.”
Russell did concede that Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was “well out in front” during FP2. The Monegasque topped the session from Hamilton by just under two tenths, looking really quick.
Hamilton believes that it has been “the best day out on track” this year for the Silver Arrows.
“It’s been a good day, definitely been the best day we’ve had on track.
“I think the car was feeling really positive, really enjoying driving it. The track is amazing, and the grip was feeling quite good.
“I think we still have some challenges with the balance, but it was looking strong.”
Feature Image Credit: Peter Fox via Getty Images