P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton has explained the “insane” extent of the high-speed deficit between Mercedes and Red Bull, despite having “no major issues” in qualifying for the Austrian GP.
Lewis Hamilton expressed disbelief at the significant speed difference between Mercedes and Red Bull in high-speed corners after Max Verstappen’s dominant pole position in the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen was more than four-tenths faster than the closest rival, Lando Norris. Hamilton qualified in fifth, nearly six-tenths slower than Verstappen. Despite the gap, Hamilton acknowledged Mercedes’ progress, but admitted they lack downforce compared to Red Bull. Mercedes struggled against Ferrari in Spielberg, with Verstappen pulling ahead. Hamilton remains unsure how to close the performance gap but is determined to keep pushing for improvements. Mercedes faces a penalty for releasing Hamilton’s car unsafely during qualifying.
