Motor Racing-New Mercedes Feels Nicer To Drive, Says Russell

George Russell declared Mercedes’ new Formula One automobile nicer to drive than final yr’s tough providing after racking up 122 laps of Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit on the opening day of testing on Wednesday.

The Briton, who fingers over to seven occasions world champion crew mate Lewis Hamilton for Thursday’s session, mentioned it had been a optimistic debut for the W15 automobile.

The day’s work included a full race simulation within the afternoon.

“From hitting the ground it felt like we had a good foundation to start from,” mentioned Russell, who ended the day twelfth general.

“We completed lots of laps and have plenty of data to go through tonight. We ended the day in a reasonably good spot and we can build from here over the next two days.”

Russell, whose November 2022 victory in Brazil stays the previous champions’ final race win, mentioned the main focus can be on maximising mileage.

“Overall the W15 does feel nicer to drive than last year’s car,” he added.

“We know that it’s not about the feeling, but the speed. Nevertheless, today was about learning and not about chasing performance.

“We’re focused on ourselves at this test and it will only be next week where we see where we stack up against the others.”

Mercedes, who’re shedding Hamilton to Ferrari on the finish of the season, completed second general behind runaway champions Red Bull final yr however did not win a race for the primary time in 12 years.

Technical director James Allison mentioned on the automobile’s launch that final yr’s weaknesses had been addressed with an enormous effort to enhance the ‘spiteful’ rear axle and offering extra reassurance for the drivers.

The season begins in Bahrain on March 2.

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Reuters)