I am sure everyone has similar problems in a way but we are just not quick enough yet to be there consistently enough."Mercedes have reverted both their cars to the upgraded specification that was introduced in Malaysia two races ago but about which there remain questions over its relative performance.
Mercedes have reverted both their cars to the upgraded specification that was introduced in Malaysia two races ago, but about which there remain questions over its relative performance. They hope a full, normal weekend with three practice sessions will enable them to hone it.
Max Verstappen appeared fastest on the race-simulation runs later in the session, which often provide a more accurate read of overall competitiveness than single laps. The Dutchman could be compared directly only with the Ferrari drivers, as all were running the soft-compound tyres on their long runs.
Addressing track conditions after Max Verstappen complained about the surface on Thursday, Charles Leclerc said:"It was very poor. The first sector is particularly poor and very bumpy.".
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc leads Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in Friday practice at the United States Grand Prix.
The first sector is particularly poor and very bumpy."Norris was the fastest on the long runs, at about 0.2secs on average faster than Verstappen, but cannot be compared as he was running the hard tyre.
Leclerc, who topped both sessions, was 0.042 seconds ahead of the Italian, who has a mathematical chance of tying up his first world title this weekend.
"Having both cars on the same package helps because we can try lots of different stuff and we have a better understanding of this package,"Antonelli said.
Verstappen was third fastest, 0.189secs back, ahead of Hamilton, although the seven-time champion was 0.615secs off the pace.