P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell will line up three rows ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Bahrain Grand Prix – so is this the Mercedes ‘diva’ rearing its head again?
The 2024 Formula 1 season opener revealed a significant qualifying position gap between the Mercedes drivers, favoring either Lewis Hamilton or George Russell. Despite the slight difference being just over a couple of tenths, Hamilton qualified ninth while Russell secured third on the Bahrain GP grid. The dynamics of this gap have traditionally stemmed from the Mercedes car’s setup nuances, favoring one driver each weekend. However, the debut of the Mercedes W15 in Bahrain showcased a shift in driver and team response, indicating a potential change in this pattern. Both drivers found promising single-lap performance during practice sessions, with Hamilton expressing optimism about the new Mercedes car. Hamilton’s adjustment to focus on race pace over qualifying pace reflects a strategic decision by the team, aiming to optimize performance in the Bahrain Grand Prix. To summarize, Hamilton’s comments and the team’s approach suggest a deliberate shift towards enhancing race pace and addressing setup challenges in the context of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
