P1racenews AI automatic summary:
After a strong FP3 in Melbourne, Mercedes flattered to deceive in qualifying.
After a disappointing qualifying performance at the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed that there are “no excuses” for their subpar result, especially considering their strong showing in the final practice session. Despite Lewis Hamilton being competitive in FP3, he was eliminated in Q2 and will start 11th on the grid, while George Russell secured seventh place. Wolff acknowledged that the team’s performance was not good enough, emphasizing the challenges of finding the right setup for their car. He highlighted the complexities of aerodynamics, mechanics, and tire management that contribute to their struggles, but remains optimistic about the car’s potential based on their FP3 performance. Wolff emphasized the team’s determination to keep working towards improvements and finding their way back into the performance window.
