“It’s not going to change the world for us,” George Russell keeps expectations in check as Mercedes prepare Imola upgrades

Imola is expected to be the turning point of the season for the Silver Arrows.

“It’s not going to change the world for us,” George Russell keeps expectations in check as Mercedes prepare Imola upgrades

George Russell (Credits: The Mirror)

Mercedes F1 team have initiated the upgrading process for their car, the W14. They are focusing on the front suspension as part of their efforts to create a less troublesome car. They want to make it more manageable for George Russell and the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The objective is to eliminate the “poisonous” characteristics of the car and improve the overall driving experience.

Imola is where their much-awaited upgrades are set to arrive, revamping their car altogether. George Russell, however, is maintaining limited optimism with these upgrades. He emphasized how it is but a small step in a positive direction. Speaking to Autosport.com, he said, “Imola is a new weekend, we’ll have some new bits on the car. Hopefully, that’s positive. It’s not going to change the world for us in the short term but hopefully, it’s a step in the right direction.”

YouTube video

FS Video

George Russell believes that the work and talking are to be done on the track and that they cannot get carried away. According to him, the handling difficulties of the W14 are responsible for Mercedes’ consistent struggle to perform at their best during the start of each Grand Prix weekend. The team’s challenges with the car’s handling had put them at a disadvantage. It affected their performance in the early stages of races.

Related: Christian Horner unveils Red Bull’s plans to empower rival teams with their Ford Powertrains

Mercedes are optimistic about their upcoming races with new updates

Mercedes W14 via Terra
Mercedes W14 (Image via Terra)

The Silver Arrows are preparing to introduce the upgraded version of their challenger, the ‘W14B’. With this upgraded car, the team aims to close the performance gap and challenge the dominant Red Bull team. Both drivers, Russell and Hamilton, hold high hopes that the improved car will enable them to compete more effectively and bridge the deficit to the current leaders.

The side-pod design of the Mercedes W14 is under scrutiny and could undergo changes. The team’s ‘zero pod’ design, introduced last year, has faced significant criticism from various quarters. Recognizing the widespread disapproval, Mercedes is considering modifications to the side-pod design. They will address the concerns and improve the overall performance of the car.

The upgrade package is expected to bring improvements to the car’s performance. It will mark a crucial turning point for the team this season, as they aim to enhance their competitiveness and challenge their rivals. They are currently in third, six points behind Aston Martin, and 128 points behind Red Bull. Their title hopes remain bleak, but their upgrades should assist them in potentially establishing themselves as the second-quickest outfit on the grid.

In case you missed it: