After a challenging start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, Mercedes AMG Petronas has shown signs of improvement. Lewis Hamilton’s recent comments suggest that the team is getting closer to the front of the pack.
At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, Mercedes introduced revisions to the floor of their W15 machine. These updates were part of a larger upgrade package that began in Miami. The team’s efforts seem to be paying off, as Lewis Hamilton posted the fourth-fastest time in FP2, just under four-tenths adrift of Charles Leclerc.
Motorsport Italy – Do you think Mercedes have made progress in the last few races?
Fred Vasseur: "The Mercedes? They were 28 seconds behind Charles at the end of the race, so yes, I think they got a little closer."
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) May 19, 2024
Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur acknowledged and said, “The Mercedes? They were 28 seconds behind Charles at the end of the race, so yes, I think they got a little closer.”
Hamilton’s Perspective towards Mercedes
Hamilton expressed optimism after Friday practice: “It’s been a good start to the weekend. The balance of the car felt good, and I had a positive feeling out there. Several other teams look quick, in particular McLaren and Ferrari, but we’re a lot closer than we have been so far this season. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves though, so let’s see how tomorrow goes”.
Hamilton also praised the hard work of the Mercedes team back at Brackley: “I am really grateful to everyone back at the factory for working so hard to bring these updates. We are seeing improvements in the car and our performance on track”
Andre Shovlin, the Trackside Engineering Director, emphasized the need for incremental progress: “The experience of the last few races has taught us that we have a fair size gap to close. We are hoping to close that gap progressively with developments over the next few events. There’s still plenty that we can work on for both single-lap and long-run performance in the meantime”.
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