P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the team has made progress with its 2024 Formula 1 car at the Japanese Grand
Mercedes faced a challenging start to the new season due to an unpredictable car concept with a slim operating window, resulting in a high-speed cornering deficit for the W15 model. Despite initial struggles, Lewis Hamilton was pleased with the car’s performance compared to the previous season. With a seventh-place qualifying position, Hamilton’s time was within three-tenths of third-placed Lando Norris, leveraging hope for Mercedes’ potential. Team officials acknowledge the need for improvement, but express optimism in the progress made and the potential for advancement in future races. Looking ahead to the race day, Mercedes is prepared for a tough competition behind Red Bull, aiming to maximize their potential for the best possible outcome.