Mercedes Working to Improve Race Starts Ahead of Miami Grand Prix

According to George Russell, the Mercedes team is dedicated to enhancing their race starts, with considerable efforts being made 'behind the scenes' to address this issue before the Formula 1 season resumes in Miami. Despite achieving four front-row lockouts in the initial three Grands Prix and Sprint, neither Russell nor his teammate has managed to take the lead after the first lap. The team's biggest weakness lies in their starts, but they have demonstrated sufficient pace to recover and secure victories in the first three races. Ferrari has shown exceptional starting skills this season, attributed to their compact turbo, which enables quicker spin-up times and facilitates finding the ideal launch window. While drivers can practice starts during free practice sessions on Grand Prix weekends, opportunities for refinement are limited. Russell emphasized that although practice chances are scarce, the team is intensely focused on analyzing data to rectify their significant flaw. In an interview with Sky Germany during Pirelli tire testing in Germany, Russell stated, 'There's a huge amount going on behind the scenes.' He explained that the team has been utilizing simulator days to examine the initial three races and prepare for upcoming events, including the Miami and Montreal sprint races. The team is working diligently to analyze data and identify areas for improvement, acknowledging the sport's challenges and the restricted opportunities for practice.