George Russell thinks Mercedes’ engine is on par with Ferrari’s despite the former’s poor performance in the first two races of the season.
George Russell believes that Mercedes’ engine is on a par with Ferrari’s when turned up for qualifying sessions. However, the only two teams who have yet not scored any points in the races are powered Mercedes – Aston Martin and Williams.
Mercedes shares its PU with three other teams on the grid but still only three drivers – George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris – have been able to finish within the top 10.
Difficult day as a team. P6 today, tomorrow is a new opportunity. pic.twitter.com/5HPcKCdtp0
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) March 26, 2022
Meanwhile, Ferrari powered teams are doing better than in 2021. Both Alfa Romeo and Haas seem to have improved a lot in their pace.
Haas is now fifth in the Constructors’ Standings, despite running only one car on race day in Jeddah, while Alfa is sixth.
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George Russell improved by Red Bull
Despite the poor performance of his new team, Russell does not think that the Mercedes are as far behind as some might think.
The 24-year-old explained that the straight-line speed of his W13 was on the level with Ferrari during Saturday’s qualifying in Jeddah.
“I think everything did look better when we turned the engines up for qualifying,” Russell said.
“We looked relatively on par with Ferrari in terms of straight-line speed. Red Bull was definitely running less wing than we were, but they seem to accelerate very, very fast when they get halfway down the straight,” the Briton explained.
“They are seemingly doing a better job at reducing their drag at higher speed. Their pace in the straights at the moment is extraordinary, so we need to do some work in all areas to catch our speed up.”
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