P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has explained the decision-making process behind the choice to attempt an initial one-stop race during last weekend’s Formula 1
Mercedes started strong in seventh and ninth positions, but had to change their strategy due to a crash involving Albon and Ricciardo, resulting in a red flag. While their rivals stuck with their compounds, Mercedes switched from Medium to Hard tires to avoid an extra pit stop, but had to revert to a two-stop strategy due to their pace in the first stint. The team chose alternative strategies for Russell and Hamilton, based on their allocation and lack of threat from behind. Despite their efforts, Russell finished seventh and Hamilton ninth due to degradation issues and difficulties with tyre performance in slower corners. Mercedes is analyzing the reasons for their speed disadvantage compared to Leclerc, who successfully executed a one-stop strategy.
