P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes’ F1 set-up changes "massively backfired" – Wolff
The Silver Arrows arrived in Melbourne with optimism about making a significant improvement, as Lewis Hamilton praised the W15 as an exceptional car and dismissed it as a challenging car to drive. However, concerns arose as Mercedes seemed to struggle in qualifying and the race following strong performances in free practice sessions. Team boss Toto Wolff attributed the setbacks to drastic setup changes that did not yield the desired results, emphasizing the need for continuous experimentation to unlock performance. Despite the frustrations, Wolff remained confident in Mercedes’ ability to bounce back, acknowledging the team’s capabilities to adapt and succeed under the current regulations. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin acknowledged the need for performance tweaks after mixed outcomes in practice sessions, highlighting the team’s determination to refine the car’s setup and competitiveness. Overall, Mercedes faced challenges in Melbourne but remained committed to overcoming them and striving for improvement.
