P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Russell: Hamilton F1 sprint podium doesn’t disguise progress Mercedes still needs
“Hamilton showcased the impressive race pace of the W15 team car by finishing second in the Shanghai sprint, surpassed only by Verstappen’s Red Bull.This performance highlighted Mercedes’ strength in long runs but also its struggle to excel in single-lap qualifications, often resulting in lower grid positions.Russell emphasized the team’s potential for podium finishes if they can improve their qualifying position and tire performance against competitors.Facing challenges in qualifying, Mercedes acknowledges the need to step up their game in order to be competitive with the leading Red Bull team.The team’s faster race car compared to its qualifying performance has been a consistent trend over the past three years, pushing them to work towards better results.Even though Hamilton’s sprint podium brought some positivity, the team recognizes the necessity to avoid qualifying in the midfield and commits to ongoing improvement throughout the season.”Hamilton’s setback in qualifying, ending up 18th on the grid due to a tailwind issue at Turn 14, served as a reminder of the team’s need to keep pushing forward collectively and make significant progress in the upcoming races.”
