F1 cars recently returned to the iconic Nürburgring track as Pirelli conducted a two-day tyre-testing session.
McLaren and Mercedes were both involved, with Oscar Piastri and George Russell driving on Tuesday before Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli took over on Wednesday.
Mixed fortunes
Tuesday dawned wet, but once conditions improved, the drivers moved from intermediate tyres to the planned slick-tyre programme as Pirelli plans for the 2027 Formula 1 regulations.
Proceedings began with eight laps on different versions of the C3 compound, with the data proving promising according to the tyre manufacturer.
Russell then shifted to longer productive runs for Mercedes to end the day.
On the other hand, McLaren faced a technical issue, leaving Piastri in the garage for most of the afternoon.
With 127 laps on the board, Russel set the quickest time of the day – a 1:33.899.
Piastri, meanwhile, completed 65 laps, with his best time a 1:35.096.
Drivers reflect
Wednesday’s running was limited to tyre work on behalf of Pirelli, which meant the teams couldn’t run their own tests.
“You know, Formula 1 is so difficult because we don’t have the opportunity to practice much, but that’s the rule,” Russell said regarding the limited running.
“We’d like to do a huge number of starts, but we’re not allowed to.”
“It’s not quite the same as a race weekend or a race. Still, it’s better than nothing,” Piastri added.
However, both drivers seemed delighted to drive on the Nürburgring, which has a familiar F1 style.
Between 1995 and 2013, the Nürburgring was on the F1 calendar under the German, European and Luxembourg Grand Prix guise.
The Nürburgring subsequently returned to the calendar for a one-off GP in 2020, when it held the Eifel Grand Prix – won by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
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Nürburgring return
“I really enjoyed driving. I really love the Nurburgring,” Russell admitted when asked about the track.
“I also did a few laps of the Nordschleife. I really, really like it. It’s a truly traditional, old-school track.
“I’d love to come back here for a race someday.
“Of course, we don’t have any races in Germany right now, but with Mercedes it would probably be nice to get one back on the calendar.”
Piastri, who has driven on the track before but not in F1 machinery, echoed Russell’s sentiments.
“It’s a great track. I haven’t raced here in a while – the last time was in 2019,” he said.
“It’s an old-school track with bumps and specific kerbs, especially at the exit of corners.
“There’s almost no room for error – it’s all grass and gravel.
“Some sections are very challenging, and behind the wheel of a modern Formula 1 car, the track feels quite compact compared to the ones we usually race on.”
The Australian was also open to the idea of F1 returning to the iconic circuit, saying: “Of course. I don’t mind. It’s not my favourite track, but it’s very interesting and unique.
“There are a lot of elevation changes and, of course, the history of this place is also very important.
“Racers love old-school tracks. The curbs and run-off areas typical of such tracks always provide more driving satisfaction when everything is done correctly.
“It would be nice, but we’ll see.”
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