Mercedes confirms that Hamilton will also receive new front wing in Montreal

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will also receive the upgraded front wing that George Russell was given at the Monaco Grand Prix.

After a double-header in Europe, Formula One heads to North America for the second time this season, to the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Although Mercedes is yet to secure a podium finish in 2024, the team has shown glimpses of improvements over the past two rounds. Toto Wolff has explained that the team feels that it is moving in the right direction following a difficult start to the season.

"We had an encouraging weekend in Monaco. We continue to make solid progress with our car, improving its overall balance and taking a step closer to those ahead," he said.

"The progress is not yet showing in terms of positions, but if we continue to close the gap to the fastest cars, we know it will in due course," adds Toto.

Part of that Monaco performance upgrade package came in the shape of a new front wing, albeit the team could only produce one new front wing in time for the Monaco round.

Having tried it out in the simulator, Lewis Hamilton elected not to run the upgraded front wing which meant that it was his team-mate George Russell to use it on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Wolff has now confirmed that Hamilton will also receive the upgraded part for this weekend's Montreal race.

"Both drivers will have the new front wing, and there will be some other development items for this event. The new front wing offered a small lap-time gain around the tight streets of the principality, and should offer greater benefit on upcoming circuits."

With the field in front so tightly bunched and competitive, Wolff is aware that the results will depend on tiny gains. Recent races saw Mercedes' gap to the front come down, from three quarters of a minute at the season-opener in Bahrain, to just under 15 seconds around the streets of Monaco, though the team's best finishing position to date remains P5.

"The front of the field is incredibly competitive. It has compressed and we are under no illusions that others will continue to improve," he said. We have to continue to work hard to get ourselves into the mix."

Speaking of the forthcoming Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff said: "Montreal offers a mix of low-speed corners and high-speed straights which makes for great racing. It is a brilliant track.

"We always enjoy going back to Montreal as the fans are incredibly passionate about F1. We have enjoyed many good moments there over the years. Hopefully we can add to those this weekend," Wolff concluded.