READ MORE: Hamilton hails ‘really mega’ progress for Mercedes after double podium in Spain

Qualifying saw Lewis fifth – bumped up to fourth after Pierre Gasly’s penalty – and George 12th, but race day was a revelation as they delivered a double podium finish behind winner Verstappen. And to widespread relief, the final practice session that morning revealed that significant progress had been made, as Lewis was third quickest, with George sixth. No sooner was his work done than Mick jumped on a plane to Spain so he could be there on Saturday to witness the fruits of his labours tested in real time. The combined aims were to generate greater levels of downforce and smooth airflow over the rear wing, but also to create a more stable platform to help make the car more manageable under heavy braking and turn-in. What Lewis and George now had to drive boasted more defined sidepods and other subtle aero mods, but also a heavily revised front suspension.

It had been clear from the season opener that the original, zero-sidepod version of the car wasn’t going to get the job done, hence the urgent redesign and the job swaps between Mike Elliott and James Allison. Thus, Friday June 2nd in Spain would finally be D-Day, when the seven-time champion might get the first inkling whether the latest iteration of the W14 would help to advance his stated ambition to win a record eighth title in the coming years. Perhaps it was an improvement, as Lewis finished fourth and George Russell fifth after a rare error which probably cost him third, perhaps it wasn’t. READ MORE: The intriguing design details behind Mercedes’ major W14 upgrade in Monaco

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