Hamilton improved by almost 3/10’s from Q2 to Q3, Russell only 2/10th’s. Charles a mighty 1.2 seconds on new tyres and engine turned up
Well two stunning laps from Charles and Max in all fairness. Merc fell away just at the end but hey- they have made enormous strides.
Looking at previous races this season and qualifying I’d say their upgrades have improved the car by about 2/10’s towards pole. So only another 8/10th’s to go
I am predicting a podium for 1 of the Merc cars tomorrow. Their race pace has always been a little better. Also, looks like track temperatures will be lower tomorrow which might play a part for some. Either way, I am looking forward to the race, not something I can always say about Barcelona.
The significance of the Merc upgrades for me isn't just about the gain in pace which is nice, but it's about future development. To my layman's mind, now they've addressed (at least to a larger degree) the porpoising they are now in a position to make progress with developments to close the gap, whereas before they've just been trying to get the concept to work. Probably wrong but would welcome people's opinions on this. In other words, they now have a platform to build on, which I'm not sure they did before.
The Mercs seem to have vastly reduced the bouncing on the straights but it's still there on the high speed corners!! So while they have fixed some of the issue I'm not sure it's where the biggest time gains are to be had. Surely if it's still bouncing round high speed corners they must be losing time as the downforce will be up and down and not constant? I think they might do quite well in the race, Lewis seems quite happy so I think he is a lot more confident in the car.
It's apparently all about budgets now. Mercs seem to have a lot of info on barca and their favourite track for years upon years so this set up was aimed at coming here and making a step. They have but equally they were closer at high downforce tracks earlier in the season so Russell gap to leclesr is not too bad as it clearly shows a step. Hamilton fans should be concerned as he is talking down while Russell seems to be quite happy being 5th and 6th aiming to push to podium as he's not got the t-shirt. Hamilton I think can't raise the same motivation to fight for 5th and doesn't like being outpaced one bit. Overall the next step in this is to see if the race pace can push a merc ahead of the rear gunners for red bull and ferrari who keep messing up. As for the rest, I reckon there was probably more in the ferrari as it had to get a lap in there at the end and did. Same for verstappen who will now get another in a long line of drs repairs The big question is how many more upgrades can teams bring and stay in budget as the season progresses from here.... is the merc behind in engine? Is the micro side pods really a massive drag advantage? Now we will find out. I'm still on le clerc for the win.
BTW...just a thought but bottas 19.6 and k.mag 19.66 Hamilton is only 0.1 ahead and that's actually consistent with first couple of races at high downforce tracks. Russell certainly has unlocked more speed in his set up to get ahead or perez.
The thing is with Hamilton...just never write him off, because when he does get the bit between his teeth again, he's capable of creeping ahead of Russell. We all knew Russell was going to be quick though. We've seen where he can put a Williams on a Saturday and he immediately shone when he stood in for Hamilton, so it's no real shock. As for Mercs steps forward. Clearly they have made some, but does the familiarity with this track and setting up for it make those gains look better? There are clearly spots where it's still a handful.
PS - I know I've asked before, but anyone get any luck with finding out where Cosi went? I really loved his input. Did PM him but not reply.
Same, with COVID in mind. Hope he's okay and if he's reading this that he knows we would love to hear from him.
The extra weight of the fuel may reduce some of the remaining bouncing, at least for part of the race. Merc themselves said there is more to be done but they now have something to work with. A podium is possible but some races away from a win I think.
Lewis is a complex person, we saw that in his last season at McLaren. He should have greater maturity now. Russell lucked in on one if not two tyre changes versus Lewis in the previous races. I think George is too fast for Lewis to do an easy overtake but with DRS who knows. I didn't vote for him but I hope LeClerc brings this one home.
