The Mercedes team made a number of changes to their car for Barcelona, and Hamilton and team-mate Russell enjoyed a competitive performance in both practice sessions on Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Russell finished second fastest in the afternoon session (FP2), just one tenth (0.117s) behind leader Charles Leclerc, while Hamilton was just another tenth further back.
But lap times aside, both drivers were happy with how the feel of the Mercedes W13 had transformed, and that most of the issues that had marred their start to 2022 had disappeared.
Speaking after the session, Lewis Hamilton said: “I’m positive, yes. Super happy with the progress, so many, many, many thanks to everyone at the factory for not giving up and for continuing to push.”
“We’re not the fastest yet, but I think we’re on the right track. It’s the first time we’ve driven down the straight without that rebound. We still have some porpoising , but it’s much better.”
George Russell said that the W13 felt different than before as a result of the adjustments they made for this weekend.
“The car is definitely reacting differently,” he explained. “We have different limitations this time. Finally we don’t have porpoising on the straight, which is good, but we’re still experimenting a bit here and there in the corners, which leaves you with work to do.”
Russell reckons the small issues that still need to be ironed out will take some time and therefore they are not considered favorites for this weekend’s race.
“There will probably be a fix, but probably nothing that we can instantly implement this weekend,” he lamented.
“I think it’s about finding that balance between what we want to set up the car for, qualifying or racing, and the compromises we want to make. But we’re in a good place.”
Hamilton agreed that Mercedes were not yet in a position where all their problems were behind them, but he celebrates that there is at least reason to feel confident that the team was already heading in the right direction.
“It’s still tough on the car, but it’s much better than before,” he said.
“I think we can set it up even better for Saturday. So hopefully we can nip at the heels of the guys ahead.”
