P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes focused on improving F1 qualifying pace with W15
During the three-day winter test in Bahrain, the Brackley squad, led by drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, prioritized long stints over quick glory runs. Russell managed to secure a third-place finish on the final day using softer C4 tyres after staying away from the top spots earlier in the week. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that there is still room for improvement in terms of single-lap performance when F1 returns to Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix practice sessions. Despite this, the team is pleased with the progress made, especially in terms of long-run pace, indicating strength in that area for the upcoming races. The car handling of Mercedes’ W15 project has been more consistent and compliant, addressing previous issues of unpredictability, which both Hamilton and Russell have struggled with since the introduction of the new regulations in 2022. While acknowledging the progress made, Hamilton highlighted that Red Bull, particularly with its RB20, still poses a strong challenge, showcasing exceptional long-run performance with Max Verstappen behind the wheel in Bahrain. Despite this, Hamilton remains optimistic, stating that there is still room for improvement and that the current platform provides a solid foundation for the team moving forward.
