Mercedes: Both drivers to have new-spec front wing in Canada

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton will join George Russell in using in Canada next weekend the updated front that was introduced in Monaco last time out.

In the Principality, only Russell’s W15 was fitted with the single example of the new aero component. Mercedes had opted for a coin toss to decide which driver would benefit from the exclusive use of the wing.

However, Hamilton took a pass on the chance of using the element as any damage sustained in qualifying in Monte-Carlo would have inevitably resulted in a pit lane start for the seven-time world champion on race day.

Russell, however, accepted the challenge, although it was hard to determine of the wing had been of any help in the processional race which he finished in fifth position, with Hamilton crossing the checkered flag P7.

“Both drivers will have the updated front wing in Canada, plus some other development items for this event,” commented Wolff in Mercedes’ Canadian Grand Prix preview.

“It offered a small lap time gain around the tight streets of the Principality and should offer a greater benefit on upcoming circuits.”

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Mercedes currently sits fourth in F1’s Constructors’ standings, 88 points behind third-placed team McLaren.

But Wolff insists the Brackley squad is making “solid progress”, however imperceptible this may appear to be from the outside, and working hard to put itself "in the mix".

“We had an encouraging weekend in Monaco,” he said. “We continued to make solid progress with our car, improving its overall balance and taking a step closer to those ahead.

“That progress isn't yet showing in terms of positions but if we can continue to close the gap to the fastest cars, we know it will in due course.”

The Austrian acknowledged the remarkably tight spread that currently exists between the front-runners, and also admitted that each step forward enjoyed by Mercedes in terms of raw pace is met by a similar improvement by its rivals.

“The picture at the front of the field is incredibly competitive,” he added. “The field has compressed, and we are under no illusions that others will continue to improve.

“We will have to continue to work hard and diligently to get ourselves into the mix.

“The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a brilliant track. It offers a mix of low-speed corners and high-speed straights which makes for great racing.

“We always enjoy returning to Montreal as the fans are incredibly passionate about F1. We've enjoyed many good moments there over the years and hopefully we can add to those this weekend.”

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