Lewis Hamilton has conceded that Mercedes struggled to extract optimum performance from the tyres after a subdued showing during the second practice session in Monaco, describing the difference as "night and day."
Hamilton led the way in the first session, with team-mate Valtteri Bottas in fourth, but the Briton managed only eighth in the second 90-minute running, while Bottas was left to round out the top 10.
Hamilton’s quickest time left him over a second adrift of title rival Sebastian Vettel but feels Mercedes can bounce back from its sub-par session.
“We didn't have the greatest day today,” he said.
“Practice one was actually really good and we were quickest, but then in second practice we just struggled to extract the grip from the tyres and we were sliding around a lot.
“I'm not sure why the tyres weren't working but the difference between the two sessions was night and day.
“We've got some work to do ahead of Saturday that's for sure but I'm confident the team can work it out.”
Bottas accepted that Mercedes went in the “wrong direction” in terms of set-up.
“Practice two was difficult and we struggled with the pace over one lap,” said Bottas.
“We made some changes between practice one and practice two but we clearly went in the wrong direction – that’s why both of us were struggling.
“When the car isn't quite right you lose a lot of time in Monaco. We tried to go back with the set-up and it felt better but by that point we'd already put a lot of laps into the tyres.
“At least we've learned what not to do with the set-up here. It's a shame but we have a full day tomorrow to analyse everything and come back stronger on Saturday.”
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