Mercedes Intensifies Efforts to Improve Race Starts

According to George Russell, the Mercedes team is diligently working to enhance their race starts, a significant area of improvement, ahead of the Formula 1 season's resumption in Miami. Despite achieving four front-row lockouts in the initial three Grands Prix and Sprint, neither Russell nor his teammate has managed to secure the lead after the first lap. The team's biggest weakness lies in their starts, but they have consistently demonstrated sufficient pace to bounce back and claim victories in the opening three races. Ferrari, meanwhile, has excelled in starts this season, attributed to their compact turbo, which enables a quicker spin-up time and facilitates finding the ideal launch window. Drivers are restricted to practicing starts during the final stages of free practice on Grand Prix weekends, with no additional opportunities to refine their launch techniques. Russell emphasized that while chances to practice race starts are limited, the team is focusing on analyzing data to address this notable flaw. 'There's a tremendous amount of work being done behind the scenes,' Russell stated, highlighting the team's extensive efforts, including numerous simulator sessions, to rectify their start issues.