Mercedes has brought a number of improvements to the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, which George Russell and Lewis Hamilton hope to help improve their situation after a difficult start to the 2022 campaign.
The reigning world champions failed to fight for victory in any of the first four races of the season, with the W13 suffering from guinea pig more than most of its rivals – with Mercedes being a disappointing third in the constructors’ championship.
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But after significant work in the wind tunnel and CFD, the team brought to Miami a new low-resistance rear wing, a revised front wing and a new beam wing – three parts that have been under development for weeks.
“We certainly have a few things to try this weekend,” Russell said. “I don’t think it will be the silver bullet, but it will definitely give us a much better indication of the direction we need to take in future events.
“I think the last few weeks and months of the first day have really been vital to understanding the problem and developing tools so we can find solutions. I think we finally get to the point where we feel confident that in the upcoming race we can solve it. But we will have to wait and see. “
Russell competes in FP1 for the 2022 Miami Grand Prix
Hamilton, who is 21 points behind Russell in the drivers’ standings, added: “You can expect us to do our best and give our best. In the background, a huge amount of work was being done, each working as hard as he could.
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“You can see that we have a new rear wing, for example, so I’m just grateful for everyone who keeps their heads down and the incredible hard work that everyone is doing.”
Does Hamilton think the changes should bring the team closer to Ferrari and Red Bull? “I do not expect a big change in this regard,” he said.
Hamilton and Tom Brady in preparation for the Miami GP
Hamilton was in New York before a trip to Miami, where he played golf with NFL legend Tom Brady as part of a charity event. Seeing the impressive facility built around Hard Rock Stadium, which includes a sham marina and a temporary beach overlooking the track, Hamilton likened it to the remarkable NFL event: Super Bowl.
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“It’s definitely what I expected from Miami,” Hamilton added. “I’m already walking through the city, just seeing events everywhere and buzzing. I was just in New York and I remember walking the streets and hearing someone talk [the race] and they did not know I was there.
“It simply came to our notice then. I’ve been to a few Super Bowls and it feels like a similar mood. What a great place for us – and around this amazing stadium.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing sight, and also really great for people in Europe and the rest of the world to see how great Miami is.
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