Mercedes and Ferrari completed the first in-season Pirelli F1 tyre test for 2024, with three regular drivers driving at Barcelona along with Mick Schumacher.

With the Spanish GP done, Mercedes and Ferrari stayed back for the first of the in-season Pirelli F1 tyre testing of the slick compounds for the 2024 season. The former ran George Russell and Schumacher, will the latter had Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Even though the proposed construction for 2024 will be introduced in this year’s British GP, Pirelli are still pushing ahead towards more robust tyres for next season as the loads increase due to the F1 cars getting faster and faster in this new era.

Tuesday saw Mercedes fielding Russell, fresh from his Spanish GP podium, while Schumacher got his first taste of the W14 in the flesh on Wednesday, completing 152 laps. Leclerc drove his Ferrari on Tuesday with 167 laps in his bag, Sainz did 170 on Wednesday.

“It was great,” said Schumacher. “I learned a lot and it was a lot of fun. It was a very productive day; we got through everything we wanted to and ran every test tyre on the plan. It was also good to have that first experience of the tyres without any blankets. Obviously having not driven in a while, I felt it physically, but it was good to be back in the driving seat.

“This experience will definitely benefit me in my role. I have a better understanding of what to look out for and what to work on. I also have a better understanding of all the procedures and how the Team works trackside. That would be a key factor in case I ever have to jump in and race.

“There is obviously a difference between the simulator and driving in the real world. There will always be a difference as the technology is not at a point where you can compare it 100%. However, it is the closest experience I’ve had between a simulator and real life. The simulator has prepared me, and the Team has made a great effort of correlating it.

“That helped me to know what to expect when driving it. It’s clear why this Team is an eight-time World Champion. I’m very excited for the rest of the year. I’ve had a great time today and hopefully I’ll be back in a car at some point. I loved every bit of it! I want to say a big thank you to everybody for this opportunity.”

 

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