Lewis Hamilton, British driver of the Mercedes AMG F1 W15, expressed his satisfaction after the Friday practice sessions in Monaco for Formula 1. He described it as the team’s best day so far this season. Hamilton had a good start, narrowly finishing first in the opening practice session. In FP2, he ended up as the best among the rest, just behind Charles Leclerc, less than two tenths off the Monegasque driver’s benchmark time. These results represent a significant improvement for Mercedes compared to their previous performances in the 2024 F1 campaign. Hamilton was in good spirits and praised the car’s performance and the incredible track in Monaco. He acknowledged that there were still some challenges with the car’s balance, but believed that overall, they were strong.
Mercedes had faced difficulties in their previous visits to Monaco, with mechanical setup issues on the street circuit. However, Hamilton was pleasantly surprised by the positive levels of grip and found the driving more enjoyable compared to the last two years. He expressed confidence in Mercedes’ qualifying position and believed the only area to be improved was the long-run capability of the W15.
Despite experiencing steering vibration issues in FP2, George Russell, another Mercedes driver, shared Hamilton’s good mood. He described the alarming sensations he felt behind the wheel, but remained optimistic about the team’s performance.
“I did my best to hold it with all my strength, it felt like a powerful primate, holding it firmly. However, the object kept shaking uncontrollably. This particular track requires confidence to attack it, and the persistent tremors hindered our progress. In the end, we made the decision to end the day’s session during the long session and focus on analyzing the situation.”
Russell, who achieved third place in the initial training session, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance. “Today, we are consistently standing out. Our efforts have clearly paid off.”
Despite acknowledging Charles Leclerc’s substantial lead, Russell made several positive observations about his own performance throughout the day. “We are aware of how circumstances can change quickly. However, today has undeniably been one of our most successful Fridays. The car provided me with the most amazing sensations I have ever experienced on the streets of Monaco. So, there are many aspects to be optimistic about.”
“Each individual is progressing at an impressive pace at the moment. The lap times achieved today, compared to last year, are significantly faster. It is highly likely that someone may even break the lap record, and I hope it will be us tomorrow. The overall feeling is positive, although we must also consider the impact of the weather.”
Taking into account the unpredictable nature of Monaco, Russell concluded his reflections on Friday by predicting a result in the top five for himself and the Mercedes team in Saturday’s qualifying session.
© 2024
The world of sports is full of emotions and twists, and the year 2024 was no different. From surprising victories to devastating defeats, sports fans around the world had a lot to follow. In this article, we will take a look at the top sports stories that marked the year.
In soccer, the World Cup was the most anticipated event. National teams faced off in a fierce competition, with exciting games and unforgettable moments. In the end, the Brazilian team lifted the trophy, winning the hexacampeonato and leaving the country’s fans in ecstasy.
In basketball, the highlight was the NBA Finals between rival teams Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. The games were intense and full of skill, providing viewers with an exciting competition. In the end, the Lakers emerged victorious and claimed the title, leaving Los Angeles fans in celebration.
In tennis, the year was marked by great achievements. Brazilian player Rafael Nadal won his twelfth Grand Slam title, demonstrating his skill and determination on the courts. Additionally, young Japanese star Naomi Osaka surprised everyone by winning the Australian Open, showing her talent and potential to become one of the best in the sport.
In motorsport, there was a lot of excitement on the tracks. Driver Lewis Hamilton won his seventh Formula 1 World Championship, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record. His skill and consistency throughout the season made him one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
In the world of sports, each year brings new stories and memorable moments. The year 2024 certainly was no exception, with exciting sporting events and incredible achievements. Sports fans can expect more thrills and surprises in the coming years.
