The Mercedes season is one of stark contrasts. From peaks just before the summer break to a challenging period where the team couldn’t match that form. During the race weekend in Austin, things didn’t go as hoped. George Russell expressed his frustration about the car’s erratic and unpredictable nature.
An Disappointing Qualification Ends in a Comeback
Russell seemed on track for a strong qualification until he veered off the track in the penultimate corner and damaged his car. The result? A start from the pit lane, as Mercedes couldn’t repair the car in time. Despite this setback, the Brit managed to salvage his race by crossing the finish line in sixth place.
“I’m satisfied with the race itself,” Russell concluded afterwards. “We didn’t know exactly what to expect after that start from the pit lane, especially since we drove with older parts that we haven’t used for a long time. But to still finish ahead of a Red Bull, that felt good.”
Hamilton’s Crash Highlights Issues
Alongside Russell, teammate Lewis Hamilton also had a challenging weekend. Hamilton rarely makes a mistake, but he encountered problems and crashed during the race’s opening phase. Russell finds it notable: “Lewis hardly ever makes mistakes, so when it happens to him too, you know something is wrong with the car. We are currently struggling with an unpredictable car that is not consistent.”
The unpredictability of the Mercedes has significantly hampered the team recently. Russell emphasizes that this not only makes driving more difficult, but finding the right setup is also a massive challenge.
Seeking Stability
For Russell, it’s clear that Mercedes needs to seek more stability. “We just need a car that is more predictable,” the Brit asserts. “At the moment, we go into every race without really knowing where we stand. That makes it tough, not just physically, but mentally too. We are truly on an emotional rollercoaster.”
According to Russell, the car has potential, but the inconsistency of the performances causes confusion. “It’s frustrating because sometimes we suddenly have a competitive car and don’t know why, and other times we are far behind, and it’s a mystery what’s going wrong.” With the upcoming race in Mexico in mind, Russell is hopeful that the team can make strides to better understand the problems. “We are going to try to find answers to the questions we are currently struggling with in Mexico.” The team continues to work hard to find consistency and hopes to compete at the front again soon.
