214270 wrote: ↑29 Jun 2024, 12:56
DGP123 wrote: ↑29 Jun 2024, 12:43
Decent pace, and not a huge gap to McL, but still a general meh feeling about the performance.
8.3s back from the winner over 23 laps is 3 & a half tenths in deficit per lap. They (VER compared to RUS) both did a bit of battling, and ran in free air for the most part - no weather factor, no pit stops.
Progress is being made but where it matters (race pace), Merc have a ways to go.
So did RUS, though. He spent a long time behind SAI.
I do agree, however, that the gap is about 3-4 tenths/lap even in race pace, particularly when you look at the delta when both drivers were in free air at the end. Max was lapping in high 1:09s, Russell was in low 1:10s.
One caveat, the Sprint was the warmest session of the weekend (30C air, 45C track). It will be slightly cooler for qualifying and likely cooler for the race as well. This should help Mercs manage their rear tyre temps.