Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have been having a subpar season in Formula 2022. Their bad run continued at the Belgian Grand Prix. However, as the team turned to the Zandvoort track in the Dutch GP, things may finally turn around for the German Car manufacturer. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton also believe that the Mercedes is in a ‘Sweeter Spot’. But will Mercedes be able to win their first race of this reason? Keep reading to find out.
Mercedes Is In A Sweeter Spot At Zandvroot!
In Belgium, Mercedes’s deficit to Red Bull and Ferrari was among their biggest of the season. Hamilton’s best qualifying effort was 1.8 seconds behind the fastest attempt from Max Verstappen. However, at Zandvoort, the defending Constructors’ champions got things going. Hamilton finished second to George Russell in the first practice session. He confirmed his early promise by finishing third in the second practice, barely 0.072 seconds behind Charles Leclerc’s record-setting time, with Russell placing fifth. Taking about qualifying, Lewis Hamilton scored the fourth position, while Russell had to suffice with the sixth position on the grid for tomorrow’s race.
Meanwhile, seeing the improved performance, George Russell stated that the Silver Arrows are “in a relatively decent place” as he focuses on enhancing their qualifying performance. Given that Zandvoort has strong downforce, it seems to play to the W13’s advantages. And Russell’s outstanding pole position preceding the summer break at the Hungaroring gives credibility to it. Despite thinking that Mercedes was nearing the top of its performance range, Lewis Hamilton was also upbeat about his chances.
Lewis Hamilton stated, “This was a lot better than my Sunday, and it’s a lot better than Friday, even last week, so it’s been a decent start to the weekend”. The Briton also added, “We’ve landed in a much sweeter spot with the car, just being that it’s a much different track, and it’s a work in progress.” Hamilton also commended Russell for finishing in fourth place at Spa and claimed that, if it was not for the Lap 1 retirement, he could have taken second.
Russell-Hamilton Leads 1-2 In Dutch GP!
Mercedes’ George Russell led Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes 1-2 in the first practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. Meanwhile, local hero Max Verstappen came to a standstill due to a possible transmission problem. Mercedes’ aggressive speed was evident when Russell finished 0.240 seconds ahead of Hamilton on the 4 km Zandvoort course, clocking a time of 1 min. 12.455 sec. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari was third, another tenth of a second behind.
Verstappen, who is now leading the championship, won at home last year and set the best lap time on the hard tires. But then abruptly slowed down before coming to a standstill. Sergio Perez also had a difficult session. This entails cutting it close to the wall at Turn 9 before rejoining. However, both the Red Bull drivers returned with the action as Verstappen clinched pole position in the qualifying. Not just that, Perez also secured the fifth position on the grid. Now, it will be seen who will win the Dutch GP.
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