Mercedes Working to Improve Race Starts Ahead of Miami Grand Prix

George Russell reveals that Mercedes is dedicating significant efforts to enhance their race starts, a crucial area for improvement, as the team prepares for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix in May. Despite achieving four front-row lockouts in the first three Grands Prix and Sprint, neither Russell nor his teammate has managed to take the lead after the opening lap. The team's biggest weakness lies in their starts, but they have consistently demonstrated sufficient pace to recover and secure victories. Ferrari has shown exceptional starting prowess this season, thanks to their compact turbo, which enables quicker spin-up times and facilitates finding the ideal launch window. Drivers have limited opportunities to practice starts, restricted to the end of free practice sessions during a Grand Prix weekend. Russell emphasizes that while direct practice is scarce, the team is intensely focused on analyzing data to address their starts. Speaking during Pirelli tire testing in Germany, Russell highlighted the extensive work being done behind the scenes, including simulator analysis and data review, to rectify their starting issues. The team is working tirelessly to improve, with Russell expressing his desire to practice starts more frequently, but acknowledging the rules and limitations that restrict such practice. With the Miami Grand Prix approaching, Mercedes is gearing up to tackle their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.