Russell calls for 'simple' solution to boost Mercedes pace

George Russell believes there is a "simple" solution to Mercedes' continuing issues with this year's car.

Mercedes has struggled to get up to speed with the current generation of machinery, slipping back in the pecking order when new technical regulations were introduced in 2022.

The Brackley-based squad has changed car concepts and design directions in a bid to improve but is still lacking pace to the front-running Red Bull squad.

Russell believes Mercedes' best course of action is to boost its downforce and deal with the consequences afterward.

“I think we've understood enough so far that we just need to add downforce,” Russell told media including RacingNews365.

“We've changed philosophies, we've changed concepts quite a few times now over the last two years.

“My personal view is it doesn’t matter what concept you're on, you just need to have enough downforce as possible and deal with the limitations thereafter.”

Miami upgrades

Mercedes has endured a difficult start to the 2024 season and currently sits fourth in the constructors' championship.

The team is scheduled to introduce upgrades at the upcoming round in Miami as it aims to make improvements towards the front of the grid.

“Let's see in Miami, we've got some upgrades coming to the car,” Russell said.

“Let's see what we can do. I think there is no silver bullet.

“We just need to keep on adding performance and focusing on the basics, which is in the wind tunnel and the CFD, just adding downforce - maybe sometimes it's as simple as that.”