P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Russell: Hamilton F1 sprint podium doesn’t disguise progress Mercedes still needs
“Hamilton showcased the strong race pace of the team’s W15 by finishing second in the Shanghai sprint race, trailing only Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. This performance highlighted Mercedes’ advantage on long runs but also their struggle to match that performance in single-lap situations, often resulting in lower starting positions. Russell emphasized that Hamilton’s result demonstrated the team’s potential for podium finishes if they can qualify higher up the grid, working to address their issues with fresh tyres. Despite Hamilton’s podium in the sprint, Mercedes still faces the challenge of qualifying poorly, reflecting their trend of stronger race performance compared to qualifying over the past years. Hamilton’s unexpected 18th-place grid penalty after being caught out by a tailwind in qualifying was a disappointment, but Russell remains optimistic about the team’s ability to improve and make significant progress throughout the season.”
