Lewis Hamilton praised Friday’s practice sessions for the Monaco Grand Prix as the team’s best day on track so far in 2024. While replicating their strong performance in qualifying may be challenging, it was still an encouraging start for Mercedes. The team has struggled with balance and drivability at the Monaco circuit in recent years, making this improvement significant. Hamilton expressed satisfaction with the car’s performance, noting that while there are still some challenges with balance, it was looking strong overall.
Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, also had a strong performance in FP1 but faced vibrations during FP2. Despite these issues, Russell shared Hamilton’s belief that it was a positive start for the team. He described the car as the best he has ever felt in a Mercedes in Monaco and expressed optimism about development progress. Russell is aiming for a top-five position in qualifying, and while the third row seems more likely, there are always chances for surprises in Monaco.
Mercedes introduced an updated front wing for the Monaco race, which seems to be a step in the right direction. The new front wing design addresses some of the issues raised with the previous upgrade package. Monaco’s bumpy street circuit and changes in surface incline require adjustments to the car’s setup. The new front wing features a more uniform trailing edge and an overall longer length in certain areas. It also reduces the wavy rear element, avoiding the crossflow that was detrimental to the flow structure. Mercedes has worked hard to develop this new front wing, and while its full potential may not be realized in Monaco, they will gather valuable data for future improvements.
Overall, Mercedes had a promising start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. The team is pleased with the performance of the car and the progress they have made. Although they have not yet reached their desired level, this good showing sets the foundation for a potentially successful weekend. The updated front wing is a step in the right direction, and Mercedes will continue working on more updates in the coming weeks.
