Lewis Hamilton claims Mercedes is ‘up at the front’ after ending Zandvoort FP1 and FP2 in top three

Lewis Hamilton had an extremely fruitful outing during the first day of running at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton claims Mercedes is ‘up at the front’ after ending Zandvoort FP1 and FP2 in top three

Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)

One of the main talking points coming out of Zandvoort Friday practice is Mercedes’ blistering pace. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were right up at the front during FP1 and FP2, and the former is extremely pleased about it.

The Brackley-based team has been on an upward trajectory since the last few races. The outfit has won three of the last four events and is looking in good stead to do the same at the Dutch GP. George Russell topped the timing sheets in FP2 with a time of 1:10:702.

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Hamilton on his end, managed 1:10:813 which was good enough for third place. After the session, the seven-time world champion sounded extremely positive.

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I felt okay today, was not a bad start to the weekend, like a big big difference compared to last year, so the cars definitely feeling more alive and right up there at the front.
Lewis Hamilton post FP2 at Dutch GP

Looking at the reaction of the Brit, it is quite clear that both he and Mercedes have high hopes for the ongoing Dutch GP weekend. However, McLaren and Red Bull also had strong outings as both teams were also well within the top five at the end of FP2.

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George Russell feels Mercedes is very close to ‘the McLarens’

While Lewis Hamilton is looking upbeat about Mercedes’ chances in Zandvoort, his teammate George Russell feels the competition is quite tight at the front. The latter is expecting big things from McLaren and also Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

George Russell
George Russell (via IMAGO)

As mentioned earlier, the papaya was in the top five in FP2 and Lando Norris even topped the FP1 session.

It was nice to get back into the fray, but also very difficult with so much wind. I don't remember the wind being so strong in recent years, but in any case the car went very well and works as we expected. We seem very close to the McLarens and Verstappen, but tomorrow everything could be different.
George Russell via Formulapassion.it

The 2024 Dutch Grand Prix is shaping up to be a highly entertaining event. The fight at the front end is extremely fierce and keeping in view the characteristics of the Zandvoort racing circuit, qualifying will be important.

Max Verstappen triumphed at the event last year and would ideally, want to do the same in front of home fans. McLaren on their end, is also in with a very good shot. From Mercedes’ point of view, it will be crucial to nail everything during the FP3 session and the intensely contested qualifying.

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