Mercedes
Antonelli had a significantly better FP1 outing than he managed at Monza, though he did run over some particles early on, which required a prolonged keep within the storage to verify his ground. As for Russell, he confirmed critical tempo from the phrase go, with the automobile trying fast out of the field. However from the highs of FP1 got here the lows of FP2, Russell crashing into the obstacles earlier on after shedding management over the kerbs. He managed to do a critical quantity of harm to his automobile, however luckily was launched swiftly from the Medical Centre. As for Hamilton, he solely managed one flying lap on the 2024 tyres late on, so will likely be eager to strive the opposite compounds tomorrow.
WATCH: Russell triggers crimson flag with heavy crash throughout second Mexico follow
Lewis Hamilton – FP2: 1:18.279, P7
“It was nice to see Kimi do a very strong job for the group in FP1. It’s been pleasing working with and supporting him forward of the session and the programme he carried out set us up effectively for the afternoon. It’s not at all times simple to get straight on top of things having missed that opening follow however I acquired a great feeling from the automobile in FP2.
“With the tyre take a look at, we couldn’t change something on the automobile through the session. The crimson flag following George’s crash nearly meant we misplaced an honest chunk of working time. However, I really feel like we acquired lots of good info to work via and utilise this night as we glance to make enhancements for the remainder of the weekend.”
George Russell – FP1: 1:17.998, P1; FP2: 1:19.041, P18
“It was an enormous hit, and I felt a bit winded initially. I’m OK however sadly the automobile wasn’t. I’m not certain what occurred. I become the nook, attempting to chop the road equally to how I did in FP1. I’m undecided whether or not it was the kerb or the automobile bottoming out however it bounced a bit and, earlier than I had an opportunity to catch it, I used to be already within the wall.
“There may be lots of work on for the group within the storage in a single day now, sadly. It does really feel like it’s one factor after one other in the mean time. It’s irritating as we had been robust in FP1 and topped the occasions. We misplaced out on lots of laps in FP2 so FP3 will likely be essential for us to get the automobile in a great place forward of Qualifying and Sunday’s race.”
Kimi Antonelli – FP1: 1:19.200, P12
“I needed to ship a clear FP1 session for the group in the present day and I used to be happy that I used to be ready to do this. It was my first time driving the circuit right here, so I stayed very a lot inside the restrict and simply constructed my confidence lap-by-lap. Total, it was an honest hour, and, regardless of the crimson flags, we gathered plenty of information that may hopefully assist the group over the remainder of the weekend.
“I used to be additionally in a position to construct my understanding of the W15 too. We ran each the Exhausting and Tender compound and it was good to get a mix of consecutive working and single lap work accomplished. While there aren’t any extra FP1 classes for me to participate on this yr, I’m trying ahead to persevering with my programme with earlier automobiles as we construct in direction of 2025.”
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director
“FP1 ran easily with Kimi doing a strong job as he stepped in for his second rookie session, this time alongside George. We had a busy programme to get via and, regardless of the interruption of two crimson flags, had been in a position to full the vast majority of it. George in the meantime hit the bottom working and felt significantly snug on the Tender tyre, topping the occasions on the finish of the hour. With the mandated Pirelli tyre take a look at for FP2, we knew how essential getting good FP1 working can be.
“That turned much more true as George was unlucky to lose the automobile at flip eight early within the prolonged FP2 session. It was a hefty shunt; luckily, he was OK however the automobile fared much less effectively. It has given us an honest quantity of labor to do to get the automobile prepared for FP3 and we’re already working via that. Lewis loved a happier session and was snug with the automobile, though a bit pissed off that the tyre take a look at meant he had no alternative to work on the setup.”