Great teamwork for the Mercedes in qualifying
While Russell dominated qualifying in Shanghai, squeezing in between the McLarens, his young team-mate Kimi Antonelli had more trouble. Tire management proved a headache for the rookie, who will have to redouble his efforts to achieve his goal of a top 6 finish in the race.
It seems that Russell is becoming a regular in the top 3 at the start of this season. Already in Australia, he climbed to the 3rd step of the podium during the race and was 4th in qualifying. This morning, he slotted in between the two McLarens. Proving the improvements and ambition of Mercedes for the season.
« I love it when a plan comes together. » These are the words of George Russell on the radio with his engineer at the end of this qualifying session. A stunning final lap after a complicated start to qualifying.
Gorge explains that this success is due to the team and their confidence: “When we come together and believe in myself, we become as good as anyone.” But he remains cautious by adding that no one really thought about getting ahead of McLaren. Adding: “It’s really rewarding when you put in so much effort and come away with a decent result.”
Toto Wolff tempers by saying that his drivers struggled to get the tires into a good operating window, but that ultimately, on the last lap, he just did a great job. Putting each piece of the puzzle together took time for Russell, but he made it. And that, for Toto, was very good teamwork.
The rookie of the team, Kimi Antonelli, is somewhat disappointed not to be closer to his teammate: he couldn’t do better than 8th place. Kimi struggled a lot with understanding how to play with the tires: “I really had trouble finding and reaching maximum grip.” The Italian admits he didn’t feel comfortable in the first half of these laps, but the end was quite good. For tomorrow, his goal is the top 6, and that seems quite realistic to achieve.
Tire management is on everyone’s lips here in Shanghai, and a minor fluctuation can lead to major changes. Gauging this is a discovery mission for the team director. Proper adjustment and having the right tire strategy will be essential tomorrow. Moreover, they will take to the track on unworked asphalt, as no one else drives before them. Mercedes knows that aiming for a victory tomorrow doesn’t seem very realistic. Nonetheless, they will still try to challenge the favorites.
