P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes is hoping for a stronger Formula 1 campaign after a duo of difficult seasons, and George Russell has signalled the first promising sign of the year.
George Russell expressed satisfaction after testing the W15 car in Bahrain, deeming it a solid starting point for the upcoming season. During the day, Russell completed 121 laps and was one of the two drivers who did not hand over the car to his teammate in the afternoon, the other being Max Verstappen. Mercedes aims to bounce back from two challenging seasons where they struggled to compete for regular race victories. Russell praised the W15’s performance on his first day, acknowledging the solid foundation it provides for the team. Despite Mercedes’ winless season in 2011, they managed to secure the runner-up spot in the Constructors’ Championship. Russell found the W15 more enjoyable to drive compared to last year’s car, emphasizing the focus on learning rather than immediate performance gains during the test. Looking forward to further progress, Russell anticipates a positive continuation on Friday and is eager for the upcoming challenges in the upcoming season. Stay updated on all F1 events with the convenient 2024 F1 calendar that can easily sync with your smartphone or PC.