Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says there is no hope of catching Red Bull،
Mercedes suffered its worst qualifying session of the season at the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, leaving seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton crushed and team boss Toto Wolff seeing no hope of catching Red Bull in the short term.
Hamilton was knocked out in Q2 to qualify 11th, his worst result at Albert Park since 2010, while George Russell qualified seventh for Sunday's race as the team's hopes of bouncing back in Melbourne suffered. a blow.
Russell's fastest lap of Q3 was eight tenths of a second off Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's best time, with the Dutchman claiming his third pole of the season and fourth in a row.
Briton Hamilton said there was a list of problems with his car, while Wolff gave a grim assessment of their situation.
“I think we have a car that is difficult and you can just barely get in and out of the window,” Wolff said. “It’s the whole interaction between aerodynamics, mechanics and tires. It’s never just one subject.
“But we're just going to keep our heads down and go all the way. I think it's an illusion to get closer to Red Bull in the short term but I still have to believe there's more to this car.”
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The day started well for Mercedes, with Hamilton fourth fastest and a tenth of a second behind Ferrari leader Charles Leclerc in the final practice session. But the bubble burst in qualifying.
Hamilton said the inconsistency of his car “disturbs the mind.”
“I think our car is on a razor’s edge,” he said. “This morning, the weather was nice with a calmer wind and then as soon as the wind picks up, it becomes a little less stable.
“I don't know why, but it wasn't the same in qualifying, even though we had lighter fuel. It was better in P3. [final practice] so it’s not a great feeling.”
Russell was happier with his car but gave a bleak outlook on Mercedes' chances on Sunday.
“We will be in a much better position tomorrow when we have more fuel in the car and the pace is a little slower from everyone,” he said.
“But this circuit does not take advantage of our strengths.”
