[ad_1]
Lewis Hamilton stated the inconsistency of his Mercedes automotive “actually messes with the thoughts” after making a shock early exit from qualifying on the Australian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion’s underwhelming begin to his last season with Mercedes forward of his transfer to Ferrari continued in Melbourne on Saturday as he certified eleventh for Sunday’s race.
Hamilton had described Friday’s second observe as “one of many worst classes for a very long time” however Mercedes appeared to have made vital in a single day progress when Hamilton completed inside a tenth of pace-setter Charles Leclerc in last observe on Saturday morning.
Nevertheless, within the windier afternoon circumstances at Albert Park, Mercedes misplaced efficiency and a scruffy lap on the finish of Q2 noticed Hamilton outpaced by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda earlier than Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen went on to take pole.
“It felt nice in P3,” Hamilton advised Sky Sports activities F1. “It was unusual as a result of we have been proper there with these guys and we did not actually perceive why.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Qualifying highlights of the Australian Grand Prix from Albert Park
“However then go into qualifying, it is simply one other inconsistency inside the automotive, it actually messes with the thoughts.”
Hamilton defined that there’s a “lengthy record” of points which are contributing to his early-season struggles.
“I believe our automotive is on a little bit of a knife edge,” Hamilton stated.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Big shock as Lewis Hamilton is knocked out in Q2 by Lance Stroll, who improves his time and knocks the Mercedes driver right down to P11
“Within the afternoon right here the wind picks up, the identical as P2. P1 was a bit higher after which when the wind picks up, the automotive turns into much more unstable. After which this morning was good with calmer wind, after which as quickly because the wind picks up it will get slightly bit much less secure.
“However the different groups picked their tempo up in qualifying. I am undecided why, however the grid did not really feel the identical in qualifying. Regardless that we had lighter gasoline, it felt higher in P3. So it is not an amazing feeling, for everybody within the crew, however we’ll simply maintain cracking away.”
Russell: I really feel extra assured and constant than Hamilton
George Russell claimed seventh on the grid to determine a 3-0 qualifying head-to-head over Hamilton for the season, with the previous nicely positioned to set the identical score-line for race outcomes on Sunday.
“George did a very good job right this moment,” Hamilton added. “It’s what it’s. I simply need to attempt to do a greater job tomorrow.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
George Russell believes the Melbourne circuit doesn’t play to the Mercedes’ strengths however hopes they are going to be in a greater place within the race tomorrow
The pair have been very carefully matched since Russell joined the crew in 2022, however the 26-year-old hasn’t fairly comfortably outperformed Hamilton to this point this 12 months.
“From my facet, I really feel a bit extra confidence and consistency with the automotive,” Russell advised Sky Sports activities F1. “We all know we have to enhance within the high-speed corners and on this observe there are fairly just a few of these.”
“I believe we will probably be in a significantly better place tomorrow when we’ve got extra gasoline within the automotive and the tempo is slightly slower from all people. However this circuit isn’t enjoying to our strengths.”
Requested to elucidate why he seems to be having a unique expertise to Hamilton within the W15, Russell added: “I am simply targeted on myself and my crew and making an attempt to maximise it.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
George Russell fumes at Lewis Hamilton’s positioning on the observe throughout last observe for the Australian Grand Prix
“I can not actually touch upon Lewis’ feeling. In the end, we’re not fairly the place we need to be.
“We had a powerful qualifying in Bahrain with P3. If it wasn’t for the issues within the race we might have been combating for the rostrum and we have been P5 in Jeddah.
“P7 isn’t best however there’s undoubtedly so much to play for tomorrow.”
Wolff: Catching Purple Bull in brief time period is an phantasm
After two disappointing seasons since new design rules have been launched to F1 in 2022, Mercedes have been hopeful that main low season modifications to their design philosophy would assist them shut the hole to Purple Bull.
That optimism remained after a comparatively spectacular displaying at pre-season testing, however it’s Ferrari who’ve emerged as a transparent second-best, with Mercedes scrapping with McLaren and Aston Martin behind them.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff says Mercedes’ lack of efficiency isn’t for a scarcity of making an attempt however it isn’t ok after qualifying P7 and P11
“It is particularly underwhelming as a result of we have been inside a tenth in FP3,” Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff advised Sky Sports activities F1.
“The circumstances have been slightly bit totally different however there isn’t a excuse. We’ve a automotive that is tough and you’ll be narrowly out and in of the window.
“As a lot as I am irritated at myself for saying this for a very long time, we simply must proceed engaged on it and making an attempt to get higher. It isn’t due to a scarcity of making an attempt that we’re the place we’re, however it’s not ok.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Karun Chandhok takes a take a look at Lewis Hamilton’s qualifying lap after his shock Q2 exit in Melbourne
Requested whether or not he has accepted that the W15 isn’t going to allow Mercedes to use stress to Purple Bull this season, Wolff responded: “I believe it is an phantasm to go nearer to Purple Bull within the quick time period.
“However I nonetheless need to consider that there’s extra on this automotive, and to see these performances like this morning, that isn’t a foul automotive that is ready to obtain that.
“It is so tough, like I stated, to be out of the efficiency window, and we have simply acquired to proceed to work on it.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Australian GP schedule
The third spherical of the 2024 F1 season takes place on Sunday, with lights out at 4am on Sky Sports activities F1
Sunday March 24
- 12.30am: F2 Characteristic Race
- 3am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 4am: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
- 6am: Australian GP response: Chequered Flag
- 7am: Ted’s Pocket book
- 7.30am: Australian GP highlights
- 8.30am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday replay
- 9.30am: Australian GP race replay
- 10am: Australian GP highlights (Sky Showcase)
- 11.30am: Australian GP response: Chequered Flag replay
System 1’s greatest ever season continues with the Australian Grand Prix reside on Sky Sports activities F1 at 4am on Sunday, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!
Now you can begin receiving messages and alerts for the most recent breaking sports activities information, evaluation, in-depth options and movies from our devoted WhatsApp channel!
[ad_2]
Source link
