Mercedes driver George Russell has expressed satisfaction with the team’s ‘very positive’ start to the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
Russell ended the day as the third-fastest overall, trailing behind the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers.
Russell believes there are reasons to be hopeful at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, with several teams appearing evenly matched at the front of the field.
The performance of the W14 was consistent throughout the day, fuelling optimism that Mercedes could become the first non-Oracle Red Bull Racing driver to win a race in the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
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Russell shared his thoughts on the day, saying, “It was a very positive Friday for us overall.
“The car is feeling really good around the circuit.
“It definitely improved in the cooler temperatures of FP2, but equally, it still felt decent in the slightly unrepresentative conditions of FP1.
“The times were very tight between several cars.”
“Ferrari looked quick, particularly on the single lap.
“The long-run performance across a number of competitors was also strong, but we can be optimistic heading into the weekend.
“We will do our usual work overnight and hopefully find some improvements heading into Saturday.”
Russell expressed his appreciation for the new track layout, which has enhanced the racing experience, especially in the final sector.
He also noted improvements in the track surface, particularly in turns one to five.
Teammate Lewis Hamilton echoed Russell’s sentiments, expressing his delight with the changes to the track layout in Singapore.
Hamilton has previously won in Singapore four times and is eager to end his winless streak, dating back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Hamilton had a good day on the circuit and praised the track changes.
He said, “It’s been a great day here in Singapore.
“They have done an amazing job with the track changes; I love driving this circuit now more than ever.
“The new track surface is great, and it made the track even more enjoyable to drive.
“Then the removal of the four corners near the end of the lap has absolutely perfected the circuit.
“It’s incredible to drive.”
Reflecting on the day’s performance, Hamilton added, “In terms of our day overall, FP1 was solid. We were still a little bit off where we wanted to be, but it wasn’t too bad.
“FP2 was for sure the best FP2 session I’ve had this year.
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“It was nice to finish a Friday feeling so positive.”
“I think we’ve got a good platform to build off for the rest of the weekend.
“It’s the best I’ve felt from a Friday this year, so I hope we can do some good work overnight, as we always tend to do, and continue to improve.”