Verstappen and Red Bull Lead Day One of Testing, Russell Optimistic about Mercedes Progress

As Formula 1 pre-season testing kicked off, Max Verstappen and Red Bull once again asserted their dominance by topping the timesheets on day one.

However, amidst the familiar sight of Red Bull’s pace, George Russell offered positive remarks on Mercedes’ progress.

Russell, one of the few drivers to complete a full day of testing, showcased promising signs for Mercedes, setting the sixth fastest time in the morning session and the 12th fastest time in the afternoon. With Mercedes aiming to bounce back from a challenging period following their championship success, Russell’s feedback on the team’s improvements is encouraging.

“It was great to drive the W15 for the first time in anger today,” Russell commented at the end of the day. “From hitting the ground, it felt like we had a good foundation to start from. 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.

While Verstappen and Red Bull remain the favorites, Mercedes is determined to bridge the gap and challenge for the title. Russell acknowledged the formidable competition posed by Red Bull but expressed optimism about Mercedes’ potential if they can make significant strides, echoing the team’s efforts over the past two years.

Despite the Mercedes W15 not exhibiting extraordinary performance on the first day, Russell noted a noticeable improvement compared to the previous year’s car. Emphasizing the importance of testing for learning rather than outright speed, Russell highlighted the positive initial impression of the W15’s handling and performance.

“We will be focused on maximizing mileage for learning rather than chasing an optimum sweet spot with the car. Overall, the W15 does feel nicer to drive than last year’s car. We know that it’s not about the feeling, but the speed. Nevertheless, today was about learning and not about chasing performance.

Looking ahead, Russell emphasized the team’s focus on maximizing mileage and learning from the data gathered during testing. With Lewis Hamilton set to take over driving duties on the second day, Mercedes aims to continue refining their setup and gathering valuable insights to inform their approach for the upcoming season.

As the testing period progresses, all eyes will be on Mercedes and their rivals to gauge their relative competitiveness. Russell’s optimistic outlook on the team’s progress sets a positive tone as Mercedes strives to reclaim their position at the forefront of Formula 1.