Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton thought they had a ‘rocket ship’ of a car before being hit by bouncing problems which impacted their pace. Seven-time world champion Hamilton was left frustrated early in the season with just one podium from the opening eight races as problems plagued their Mercedes car.
But before the season started in testing, Mercedes debutant Russell felt the car the manufacturer had a ‘rocket ship’, only to discover problems which would impact their season. “The first test, thinking we were going to have a bit of a rocket ship and bouncing away down the straights,” said Russell speaking with team-mate Hamilton about their season.
Hamilton also expressed his frustration with the car and the bouncing problems which caused him a back pain at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. During the pre-season first practice session the British champion discovered the word ‘porpoising’ which made their car bounce on their suspension at high speed.
“There were definitely moments when you just hated the car because it wouldn’t do what you wanted it to do,” Hamilton added. “And the bouncing around you just got sick and tired of it.”
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Russell also had to battle through the bouncing problems which impacted Mercedes. The 24-year-old Brit added: “There was a time when I didn’t even remember to drive a car that didn’t bounce.”
It took until the middle of the season for Mercedes to compete against their rivals finishing second and third at the French Grand Prix in July. Hamilton added: “It was just amazing because everyone had been working so hard and we obviously started out with such an unpredictable car for us to get that result was a highlight to everyone to continue to push and never give up.”
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