Russell crossed the finish line in sixth place, behind Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faced similar challenges in his Mercedes car, finishing behind Lando Norris of McLaren. The seven-time Formula 1 champion expressed his dissatisfaction with the Papaya car’s speed in high-speed corners several times over the team radio.
In the Mercedes race report, Russell acknowledged that the W15s did not have the power needed to compete with the McLarens and Aston Martins. He stated, “It was a long race out there. I spent nearly 40 laps within 1.5 seconds of Fernando Alonso, but couldn’t overtake. The car was slippery on the straights and I couldn’t get close enough at high speeds to apply any significant pressure. In the end, finishing in sixth place seems fair, but it’s clear we haven’t found the optimal performance with this car yet.”
Russell emphasized the need to improve performance, stating, “Overall, we need to find more speed. Although we have seen potential and pace in the car, we weren’t able to show it when it mattered most. We need to understand the reasons behind this and make improvements before the race in Melbourne. The competition behind the Red Bulls is extremely fierce, so we need to surpass them. There is a lot of work ahead, but I have faith in the team.”
Hamilton, on the other hand, opted for a different strategy by not stopping during the Safety Car. However, this decision did not bring any advantages and he spent the second half of the race following Norris’ McLaren. Hamilton ended up finishing in ninth place.
Reflecting on his race, Hamilton commented: “Today, we did our best to extend our stint, hoping for a safety car or a VSC to work in our favor. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side and we ended up finishing a bit further back than where we started. However, it was worth exploring a different approach. We gave it our all and considering how the race unfolded, this was probably the best result we could achieve.”
Hamilton acknowledged the potential of the car but emphasized the need to improve performance. He noted: “The car performed reasonably well in medium and low-speed corners, but we struggled in high-speed sections. The upcoming races will present challenges, but we are committed to making a tremendous effort to enhance our performance. I have full confidence in the dedication and hard work of everyone at the factory.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff summarized the Saudi Arabian race to his team in a tabloid format. He expressed disappointment with the performance, stating that they had difficulties with the car in high-speed corners. Despite being competitive in other areas, they were losing half a second in three specific corners, making it difficult for their drivers to attack. They tried a different strategy, but it didn’t work out due to the low levels of degradation seen throughout the field. Wolff acknowledged that there is much to learn from these first two races and emphasized the need for analysis, understanding, and improvement. He remained optimistic, stating that these challenging days will ultimately make them better. The team is determined to work on improving the car and is looking forward to coming back stronger in Australia.
Wolff also praised Oliver Bearman from Ferrari for his impressive performance as a last-minute substitute for the sick Carlos Sainz. He commended Bearman for his great race, especially in the final part, highlighting the high level of competition in Formula 2.
At the end of the race, Mercedes sits in fourth place in the F1 Constructors’ Championship, two points behind McLaren in third.
© 2024
Sports fans are looking forward to the upcoming football season, which promises to be exciting. With several teams getting ready for the start of the games, fans are excited to see their favorite teams in action.
One of the most anticipated teams is Flamengo. With a series of signings of talented players, the team is ready to compete at a high level. Coach Jorge Jesus is confident that his team can achieve great things this season.
Another team that is catching attention is Palmeiras. With a strong squad and a new coach, the team is determined to win the title. Fans are eager to see how the team will perform during the games.
Furthermore, São Paulo is also gearing up for the season. With a new coach and some important signings, the team is optimistic about its chances of success. Fans are hopeful that the team can surprise and achieve important victories.
Meanwhile, Santos is also preparing for the season. With a talented squad and an experienced coach, the team is confident that it can compete at the highest level. Fans are eager to see how the team will fare in the games.
With so many promising teams, football fans are excited for the start of the season. It will be a fierce competition, with each team fighting for the title. The supporters are ready to cheer on their teams and enjoy great moments of football.
