Back at the site of his first F1 victory, George Russell says he still wants to understand the pace of the W14 and hopes for better days in 2024
Conversing with some journalists at Interlagos, George Russell took stock of the last races, where he was further behind Lewis Hamilton, highlighting the difficulties encountered.
“In these last two stages, for different reasons, we had some problems. In Austin we had tricky brake management, especially when driving with a large fuel load. The pace should have been there, but we couldn’t do it. I hope we don’t have the same kind of problem. This year has been very busy. While last year things were better, this year has been more complicated.”
As for his difference compared to Hamilton in the US and Mexico, Russell said it’s hard to understand, as the pace between them is very similar. As you rightly pointed out, they are very close in the rankings and it is the details that make the difference.
“We have no excuses here. Every weekend she has her limits, I have mine. This year the car is very different aerodynamically, although mechanically it is very similar to last year.”
“Lewis and I moved at the same pace. In the last two years, if we look at the training data, we are very close. We’re trying to understand, when you take a step back and try to look at the rider you’re racing with to try to bridge that difference, you try to look for what to improve.”
When asked how the team is preparing for Interlagos, given that it is another race with a sprint race and with so many variations in floor height, Russell said this type of weekend is tricky for teams. “The reduction of working times hinders controls. As I said in Austria, every change in wind is complicated, you have a car with more than 100kg of fuel, you waste time in traffic…”
On whether car development could bring greater benefits for Hamilton, Russell said the difference lies in driving style, as the limits are the same for both: “Last week, for example, I didn’t have confidence in the tyres. So you have to change your approach, your driving style, to be able to manage the tires well.”
Asked if this year’s W14 would be more complicated than last year’s car, Russell said “definitely to drive.” But other teams also have the same problem, albeit with many improvements. “The problem is that Mercedes made mistakes, they chose the wrong development path. This was clear when we took to the track for the first time in Bahrain. We are entering the third year of work and I am confident that we will avoid our mistakes, we have good things, that we will make good progress.”
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
