F1 News: George Russell Discusses Confidential Mercedes Tests In Abu Dhabi For 2024 -“Big Secrets”

George Russell was feeling more positive as the team tried new "bits and bobs" on the car.

Rather jokingly, George Russell revealed that Mercedes was conducting 'secret' tests in Abu Dhabi for the 2024 car. However, he eventually clarified what was being done to his W14 with "a few bits and bobs."

Russell topped FP1 with an impressive show of performance on Friday at the Yas Marina Circuit as well as FP3 earlier today. In FP2, he was sixth fastest with a gap of just 0.3 seconds between Charles Leclerc in top position. 

Talking to the media after FP2, the Mercedes driver was asked if the team was conducting trials with the development of new parts for the 2024 car, which would be a new concept. Russell explained after joking that it was a big secret. He said:

“Big secrets, big secrets.

"We’re just trying a few bits and bobs on the car that we’ve tried over a number of races.

“Just was having a slightly different effect in Abu Dhabi that we had in previous races. Just feeding that back to the team but all good.”

Unlike his teammate Lewis Hamilton, Russell was positive about the pace of his car in Abu Dhabi. He added:

“It was a pretty positive Friday I must say.

“Obviously in FP1, a lot of young drivers in the car so difficult to gauge where the pace of the car was at. FP2, very interrupted. I felt good out there. The long run pace seems good which is going to be most important.

“I think it’s going to be close out there with the likes of Lando and maybe Charles. We always know Red Bull have got a little bit more in their pocket. I am excited going into tomorrow.” 

 

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