F1: Mercedes car very fickle to slightest changes

Struggling Mercedes’ early practice promise in Miami Practice 2 (George Russell topped the charts) ended on Saturday, despite Toto Wolff holding out earlier hope that the severe porpoising was now being solved.

“For the first time we saw speed in our car,” he said. “We were able to control the bouncing.

“We didn’t think the relatively small changes would then make so much difference. At least we are now becoming the absolute experts in bouncing – we can differentiate between all its various forms,” the Austrian smiled.

A disappointed Hamilton declared: “I’m grateful that this time we are a little better than last time, but we still lack as much time as before.

“We are not moving forward despite an incredible effort by the team.”

The next step for the German camp is a big package of upgrades for Barcelona.

“After Barcelona we have to make a decision about which way we want to go with the car next year,” said Wolff.