AUSTIN — Friday at the USA Grand Prix was a narrative of excellent information and unhealthy information for Mercedes.
On the optimistic facet of the ledger, George Russell certified on the entrance row for Saturday’s F1 Dash race and can begin alongside Max Verstappen on the sharp finish of the grid.
However it was a unique story on the opposite facet of the storage as Lewis Hamilton, who noticed a lap hampered by a yellow flag when Franco Colapinto spun, will begin seventh on the grid.
“I’m actually pleased with how right now went. It has been some time since we certified on the front-row so we will be happy with the progress we now have made. The replace equipment we introduced right here appears to be working properly though it has shocked us slightly how aggressive we had been right now,” mentioned Russell after the qualifying session within the staff’s post-qualifying report. “Dash Qualifying was a tough session, however I used to be in a position to put my lap in SQ3 collectively. The ultimate sector particularly was sturdy and that’s what enabled us to take P2.
“Lewis was very fast right now, and he was unfortunate to be caught out by a yellow flag. We each ought to have been up there however it’s nice that, as a staff, we had been again within the combine right now,” added Russell. “It is usually clearly very shut with a number of different outfits together with Purple Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren. Hopefully we will proceed this kind into the weekend and sit up for combating on the entrance.”
Whereas Hamilton expressed some frustration at ending seventh, he took solace in the truth that the in depth improve bundle Mercedes delivered to Austin may already be paying dividends.
“That was an actual disgrace right now as I received unfortunate with a yellow flag. I used to be four-tenths up on my lap and searching good for P1, however it’s what it’s. The nice factor is that we appear to have made a step ahead with the automobile,” mentioned Hamilton. “The replace we now have introduced right here was working properly and I’m actually grateful to everybody again on the manufacturing facility for his or her arduous work. The previous few races haven’t been simple, however everybody has achieved a fantastic job to carry this improve.”
Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin additionally highlighted the indication that the staff’s upgrades are working, a soothing balm to ease the frustration over Hamilton’s unlucky qualifying place.
“We now have introduced an replace equipment this weekend and its introduction has been simple,” mentioned Shovlin. “It’s after all solely someday of working however it does appear to be we’re seeing the positive aspects we hoped for. We are going to look to proceed that momentum into the remainder of the weekend.”
Mercedes will hope that issues stay simple over the subsequent two days right here in Austin.
