Mercedes pair Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton have moved to play down the squad’s pace advantage during practice for Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Bottas led the way through both sessions and headed team-mate Hamilton by just 0.049s at the close of play on Friday, with the quickest Ferrari driver – Charles Leclerc – three-tenths further back.
Mercedes has taken a 1-2 finish at each of the opening four grands prix.
“It's always an interesting day when you're bringing new parts to the car to get a feel for it and see if they bring the performance they should,” said Bottas.
“The car felt really good today, completely different to how it was in winter testing, and it seems like our cornering performance has improved.
“The balance around the lap is also better, so it looks like we've taken the right direction since the winter.
“Today was good, but it's only Friday and Ferrari are very close. It feels like we've made a good step forward, but we need to wait and see what tomorrow holds.”
Hamilton, winner at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the last two years, added: “Everyone worked really hard to bring the new package here and a huge amount of effort has gone into it.
“It seems like it's working, but it's hard to feel it because this track is so different to the streets of Baku. We've got work to do with the balance, but it's been positive for us to be out there.”
