Wolff Discusses Hamilton’s Struggles and Mercedes’ Set-Up Challenges

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff opened up about Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties during the second free-practice session at the Australian Grand Prix, attributing them to an unsuccessful set-up change on his car. The session saw Hamilton post the 18th fastest lap, a stark contrast to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who topped the timesheets.

Wolff revealed that the team had experimented with different set-ups on both Hamilton’s and teammate George Russell’s cars in an effort to improve performance amid a challenging start to the season. However, the set-up change on Hamilton’s car backfired significantly, contributing to his struggles on track.

Despite Russell’s stronger performance, Mercedes faced an overall disappointing day, with both drivers encountering difficulties maintaining balance and grip on the street circuit. Hamilton and Russell were not the only ones to struggle, as many drivers grappled with similar issues, exemplified by Alex Albon’s crash in the first practice session.

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Reflecting on Mercedes’ current standing in the constructors’ championship, Wolff acknowledged a sense of frustration due to the team’s efforts to find solutions in various directions without significant progress. Mercedes currently trails behind Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren after the opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Wolff’s candid admission of frustration underscores the team’s determination to overcome challenges and find the elusive solution to improve their performance. Despite setbacks, Mercedes remains committed to pushing boundaries and striving for success in the upcoming races.