RUSSELL: “W15 IS MERCEDES’ MOST INCONSISTENT F1 CAR”
George Russell described the 2024 Mercedes car as the team’s “most inconsistent” performer in Formula 1 to date.
With the return of ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022, Mercedes faced a challenging period compared to its previous era of eight consecutive championships. However, the German brand showed progress by securing three wins in the four races before the summer break, proving that their development efforts had paid off. Yet, this momentum didn’t last, as Mercedes has only reached the podium once since, and their updates have made the W15 an unpredictable car.
Lewis Hamilton suspected that new parts were behind Mercedes’ issues at high speed, but both drivers will continue with the latest floor in Brazil. As Mercedes works to understand their revised package, Russell shared the difficulties he and Hamilton experience in the cockpit.
Speaking to the media, Russell remarked, “I think during the porpoising era in 2022, the situation was definitely more unpleasant.”
“But with those cars, it was harder to push the limits because you were bouncing through every corner, and you knew it was going to be tough.”
“Our current problem is that it feels like there’s nothing wrong, and you can have an incredible lap, then the next lap, without anything changing, you’ve lost all performance. It’s definitely our most inconsistent performance.”
Russell highlighted that the lessons Mercedes learns in the remaining races will be crucial in guiding the team’s development direction for 2025.
The British driver added, “This is definitely not an extra pre-season, because next year’s car will be completely new and different.”
“But we are not fighting for either the Drivers’ Championship or the Constructors’ Championship.”
“Therefore, we need to use these last four opportunities to learn as much as possible and to prepare in the best way for the development we will undertake over the winter.”
