Recently, Mick Schumacher had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 2022 Mercedes W13 during a test session at Silverstone. Contrary to rumors of a direct showdown with Kimi Antonelli, this session focused on car development rather than competitive lap times.
Initially labeled as a “shoot-out” against the young Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli by some media outlets, the test session did not involve a direct comparison between the two drivers.
George Russell, Kimi Antonelli and Mick Schumacher drove the W13 at Silverstone recently.
The three drivers drove the 2022 Mercedes W13 and took turns following an identical work program says Corriere Dello Sport – Antonelli was as competitive as George Russell at qualifying… pic.twitter.com/t53HYzFRKj
— F1_MercHub (@F1MercHub) May 28, 2024
While Antonelli later tested with soft tires and low fuel, this was not for the purpose of competing head-to-head with Schumacher. Lap times from both drivers have not been disclosed.
Team principal Toto Wolff has communicated directly with Schumacher, indicating that a primary racing role in Mercedes’ immediate future might be off the table. However, Schumacher’s ongoing contributions in developmental and supportive capacities continue to be invaluable to the team. This places Schumacher in a different trajectory compared to Mercedes-managed talents like George Russell or Esteban Ocon.
Do Mercedes Driver and Silver Arrows Still See Eye to Eye in the 2024 F1 Season?
Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes has been far from what the seven-time world champion had hoped for. As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, Hamilton finds himself in unfamiliar territory, currently sitting eighth in the drivers’ championship standings—behind his Mercedes teammate, George Russell.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes at the end of the year has been widely discussed. The British driver has vowed to give his all during his remaining races with the Silver Arrows, but the results haven’t aligned with his ambitions.
Hamilton’s performance this season has been lackluster. He has failed to secure a top-five finish in any race so far. His last victory dates back to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021, leaving fans wondering if he can regain his form before the season concludes.
George Russell, the young British talent, has been Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes. Russell has consistently outperformed Hamilton in qualifying and races. While Hamilton managed a front-row start in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, Russell’s overall performance has been more consistent.
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