Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were left scratching their heads after a disappointing outing at the Dutch Grand Prix, where the team lacked pace and struggled to challenge at the front. Russell finished 7th, while Hamilton’s grid penalty hampered his chances of a podium finish.
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Mercedes has officially announced that 18-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his Formula 1 practice debut at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, driving the current W15 car. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in Antonelli’s development, as he has been groomed by Mercedes since his karting days. Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, expressed excitement about the emotional moment, with an Italian driver in a competitive car at Monza.
As the Formula 1 season resumed in Zandvoort, George Russell of Mercedes believes that tyre overheating led to his disappointing qualifying performance, resulting in a half-second deficit to polesitter Lando Norris. Despite being on pace throughout Q1 and Q2, Russell failed to improve significantly in the final shootout, ultimately qualifying fourth. Meanwhile, teammate Lewis Hamilton struggled to make an impact, qualifying 12th.
In a rare and honest interview, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff shares insights into his long-standing relationship with Red Bull’s Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, including his attempts to sign the Dutchman and the challenges they have faced. Wolff’s candid comments offer a glimpse into the high-stakes rivalry between the two top teams in F1.
Mercedes has confirmed that it will continue to run its new floor design for the rest of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix weekend, after initially introducing it in Belgium. The team’s upgrade program has transformed the W15 into a race-winning car, and they are confident the new floor is the right way forward despite initial teething issues.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, Mercedes has made significant strides in unlocking the potential of its W15 challenger, with three wins in the last four races. The team’s trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, reveals how Lewis Hamilton’s recent form is a direct result of the team’s improvements to the car, which initially posed challenges for the seven-time champion.
Mercedes has shed light on the decision to retire George Russell from the British Grand Prix, citing a preventative measure to avoid further damage to his car’s power unit. The team closely monitored a water leak issue from the start, ultimately choosing to limit Russell’s running to protect the engine and prevent a potential grid drop later in the season.
Sauber Motorsport has made a strategic move to strengthen its management team by appointing Stefan Strahnz, a seasoned executive from Mercedes, as its new Programme Director. This key hire comes as the Swiss-based Formula 1 team prepares for Audi’s official takeover in 2026, and Strahnz’s expertise will be crucial in driving the team’s long-term success.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that Fernando Alonso rejected an opportunity to join the German team, instead opting to extend his contract with Aston Martin. This comes amidst speculation over Lewis Hamilton’s future with Mercedes beyond 2025.
In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, Lewis Hamilton made Formula 1 history by securing his 9th Grand Prix win at Silverstone, setting a new record for most victories at a single circuit. This latest triumph, coming 16 years after his maiden win at the British Grand Prix, cements Hamilton’s status as an all-time great of the sport.