Image: MARCELO CHELLO (APA/AFP/POOL/MARCELO CHELLO)
“This car doesn’t deserve a win,” said the Viennese after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The former series world champion Mercedes is frighteningly far behind in Formula 1. Two more races and then he will hopefully never have to drive “this thing” again, said seven-time world champion Hamilton. A year ago, Mercedes achieved the last and only victory of the 2022 season in Brazil, and Russell also won the sprint race at that time. After the recent appearances in Austin and Mexico City, the factory team had hope that they could be at the forefront again in Interlagos. But DNF was behind Russell’s name, meaning he didn’t finish. Eighth place went to Hamilton, who passed through in the second half of the race – the weakest Mercedes result of the season.
- Verstappen victory in Sao Paulo after restart
- Verstappen relegates Norris to second place in the sprint in Brazil
Wolff: “Inexcusable performance”
“Horror show,” wrote the British tabloid “The Sun” in large letters on Monday. “Lewis Hamilton and Russell face a nightmare at the Brazilian Grand Prix as Verstappen’s victory wipes Mercedes’ smiles off their faces.” An “inexcusable” performance, Wolff stated bluntly. “I’m at a loss for words. The car felt like it was on three wheels, not four.” What would have been done with Hamilton’s second place a week earlier in Mexico “was terrible,” said Wolff.
Overheated tires, too much air resistance
The drivers complained about overheated tires and too much air resistance. However, Wolff did not want to let the safety-conscious wing adjustment be the main reason for the catastrophic weekend. “There is something fundamentally wrong mechanically,” said the 51-year-old. Processing is called for in order to save what can still be saved. In less than two weeks, Formula 1’s spectacular comeback will take place in Las Vegas, followed by the finale in Abu Dhabi a week later.
Vice world championship title for Hamilton is hardly possible anymore
Second place for Hamilton in the World Cup standings is hardly possible, 32 points behind Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Hamilton has been waiting in vain for a GP victory for almost two years. It would be the 104th for the record man. In the constructors’ championship, Mercedes is second, only 20 points ahead of Ferrari. The ranking determines a lot of money, Mercedes won it eight times in a row in its heyday from 2014 to 2021. Those days are over. Red Bull is the new Mercedes and is clearing everything.
In addition, the relationship between the two pilots quickly appears vulnerable. When Russell waited in vain in Brazil for the team to guide him past Hamilton, who from his point of view was just holding him up, the 25-year-old hissed over the radio: “Are we working together here, or is everyone driving their own race?” The answer: “We are still discussing.”
For Russell, the discussions ended when his engine unit overheated and he had to park the car in the garage. “I’m sorry for them that they had to drive such a difficult car,” emphasized Wolff. “The car is on a knife edge all the time and we need to make sure we get this problem under control in the development of next year’s car.” Frustration and low mood should not become a habit at Mercedes.
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