Mercedes Faces performance Woes, Seeks Solutions for Russell and Antonelli
Mercedes is grappling with a dip in performance, prompting discussions about how to bolster driver confidence and address underlying technical issues. Team representative Chovlin acknowledged that while specific confidence-building measures aren’t in place for driver Antonelli, a stable car is paramount for his development. He noted that both drivers have seen a decline in their performance levels, with George Russell benefiting from his formula 1 experience to navigate qualifying challenges. Kimi Antonelli, lacking this extensive experience, is more susceptible to the impact of car issues, which Chovlin stressed are fundamentally an engineering problem.
Chovlin highlighted that the options for car modifications are limited, especially after a recent suspension system change. The team is exploring potential improvements, viewing the current weekend as an prospect for learning and understanding. The hope is that the recent modifications will stabilize performance, but if not, further in-depth analysis will be required.
Meanwhile, George Russell expressed frustration with the team’s recent performance, particularly after his Canadian Grand Prix victory. Following a fifth-place finish in Belgium, Russell announced plans for a notable meeting with the team to dissect recent decisions and identify the reasons for the performance decline. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to understand the issues and hopes for improvements in Hungary. The team is reportedly planning a complete review with designers and engineers to address these concerns.