Di Resta: Mercedes could be a contender in Baku

Paul di Resta believes that, if Mercedes can control the bouncing on the W13 this weekend, they could well contend in Azerbaijan at the weekend.

Former Force India driver Di Resta thinks that the pace the reigning Constructors’ champions showed in Barcelona was a sign of encouragement for them, as they appeared to show signs of getting on top of the ‘porpoising’ or ‘bouncing’ effect that has been a significant source of their troubles this season.

But while they showed progress in Spain – and came much closer to the front-running pace set by Ferrari and Red Bull, the Silver Arrows took a step back in Monaco, struggling with their car’s stability to a point where Lewis Hamilton said he’s fed up with his teeth and jaw “moving all the time” last time out.

All eyes on Baku this weekend

Torquing Point: Sergio Perez Back-to-back Wins? - Azerbaijan GP Preview

Nikolaj Madsen on Kevin Magnussen’s training during a race week

Nikolaj Madsen on a normal person’s physical ability to drive an F1 car

Nikolaj Madsen on the typical training routine for an F1 driver

Ferrari need to bounce back from Monaco woes

Are McLaren and Norris now challenging to be best of the rest?

Team-mate George Russell doesn’t think the car will have ‘transformed’ in between Monaco and Baku, but Di Resta thinks the characteristics of the circuit this weekend could play to their strengths.

"Disappointed" George Russell gives verdict. #F1 pic.twitter.com/iMSajwxLNM

— Planet Sport (@PlanetSportcom) June 8, 2022

“Baku has some corners the same speed as Monaco, where the Mercedes car wasn’t at its strongest,” Di Resta told Sky Sports F1.

“Coming here [in Azerbaijan], you need a very different car and the key question at Mercedes is the low downforce set-up going to