SAKHIR, Bahrain — Toto Wolff stated the early indicators are that Mercedes’ 2023 automotive doesn’t have the identical bouncing points the crew struggled with a lot final yr.

After eight straight titles, Mercedes received solely a single race final yr because it struggled to become familiar with its erratic automotive. The W13 was recognized to bounce violently whereas driving at excessive pace, a difficulty that exposed itself throughout winter testing in Bahrain final yr.

Regardless of these issues, Mercedes caught with its “zero sidepod” design idea this yr, and Wolff stated George Russell’s early suggestions was optimistic.

“He was usually proud of the automotive,” Wolff stated about Russell’s suggestions throughout the lunch break. “It appears to be balanced in the best approach.

“There is not any bouncing, which is nice information, aside from that massive bump on the finish of the straight. A very good start line. We’re getting numerous information, which is essential to correlate after final yr and take a look at various things. A productive first morning.”

When requested how he felt on Thursday in contrast with on the primary day of the 2022 testing, Wolff stated: “[Last year we] knew we have been in hassle as a result of the automotive was bouncing round and we actually weren’t capable of drive it appropriately. [Today] could be very totally different.

“We’ve got a really stable base now to work from and attempt to optimise the automotive, which we have not performed but; it is actually simply padding out are there any areas that may very well be actual efficiency hindrance like final yr with the bouncing. Now we have simply started working by way of the programme.”

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton took over driving duties from Russell within the afternoon session.