‘It’s way better’ – Lewis Hamilton delivers upbeat verdict on Mercedes upgrades ahead of Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton says he is ‘super happy’ after Mercedes added some crucial upgrades to improve the Silver Arrows car ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Toto Wolff’s team have been struggling with porpoising during the opening races of the season, wreaking havoc in their hopes to challenge for the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.

Hamilton is a happy man in Spain after the upgrades to the Mercedes car

Ahead of the weekend’s race, Mercedes have made a number of changes including a new floor which Hamilton hopes can lead them to some improved performances in the coming weeks and months.

As a result, George Russell will start the Spanish Grand Prix in P4, while Hamilton will start in P6 after Saturday’s qualifying.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start in first place, with defending champion Max Verstappen completing the front of the grid in second. The other Scuderia driver Carlos Sainz is third, with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in fifth between Mercedes pair Russell and Hamilton.

But, according to the seven-time world champion, things are looking up for the Silver Arrows after their early-season struggles.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about the upgrades, Hamilton said: “It was positive.

“I’m super happy with the progress so a big, big thankyou to everyone back at the factory for not giving up and if we continue to push – we’re not the quickest, but if we continue in that way.

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The Mercedes car is looking much, much stronger in Barcelona

“It’s the first time I’ve driven down the straight without bouncing. There’s still bouncing, but it’s way better and we’re starting to eek into the potential of the car.

“It’s still tough out there, but it’s much nicer than it’s been before.

“I’m grateful for the upgrades, we now just need to fine tune them going into the next session.

“There’s lots of data to go over overnight to try and position the car.

“I hope we can get it into an even better place for tomorrow sov that we can tag on the heels of the guys up ahead.”

Mercedes team boss Wolff added: “Both companies have worked so hard. Brixworth has really gained land against the other unit manufacturers and that’s fantastic to see. I’m really proud.

Wolff says that he’s optimistic that they’ll show signs of improvements in the coming weeks

“On the chassis side, we’re getting there. We had a second solid Friday like we had in Miami but we have to see when the grid keeps coming if we are able to keep that kind of performance and at least be in the mix, or solid in the top three.

“It’s better, but still not so that the drivers feel comfortable in the high speed.

“Turn three and turn nine we’re losing a lot of time and we just need to find out what we’re going to do there tomorrow.

“There’s progress, but no exuberance and ecstasy.”

The Spanish Grand Prix gets underway at 2pm, Sunday May 22, from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

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Source: TalkSport.com Motorsport

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