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Hamilton happy with long runs, but: 'Red Bull quite quick on a single lap'

Hamilton happy with long runs, but: 'Red Bull quite quick on a single lap'

04-12-2021 12:34 Last update: 13:46
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GPblog.com

Lewis Hamilton was the fastest driver on track in both practice sessions on Friday. In FP2 he left Max Verstappen behind in fourth place with two tenths difference. Despite the strong start Mercedes still has to work on their one-lap speed, according to the Brit.

"We're not rapid on the single lap, I would say, compared to the others, but the long run is not too bad. We made some changes between sessions. I'm not sure which one I want to stay with", Hamilton tells Motorsport.com.

"We'll study through tonight and work with the guys at the factory to try and make sure we come up with the right setup tomorrow. It is definitely not in a bad place. I think as I said on a single lap they [Red Bull] are quite quick, so we've got a bit of work to do", he continues.

Still working on details

Mercedes engineer Andrew Shovlin is satisfied with the pace in the long runs. According to him, the car had an easier time in the morning session, when the track was warmer. During FP2 the track cooled down considerably.

"The long run did look strong and that tends to tell you that the base performance is there in the car. We've just got to do all the fine tuning to get the tyres in the right window for that single lap in Q3."