Mercedes struggles with pace after summer break, Hamilton and Russell weigh in
- Mercedes won races in Austria, Silverstone, and Belgium before the summer break but has struggled with pace since then.
- Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have expressed concerns about the impact of a new floor introduced at Spa, suggesting it may be the cause of their performance decline.
- The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be crucial for the team to gather data and determine the effectiveness of the new floor and other upgrades.
Mercedes experienced a notable decline in performance following the summer break, despite having secured victories in Austria, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps earlier in the season. The introduction of a new floor at Spa was initially promising, but the team has struggled to maintain that competitive edge since then. Lewis Hamilton expressed concerns about the changes made to the car, suggesting that the new floor may be a significant factor in their loss of pace. He emphasized the need for further analysis to understand the impact of the upgrade on their performance. Hamilton's comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the team's current situation, as he noted that various factors, including track conditions and the recent upgrades, could be influencing their results. He indicated that the team would attempt to revert some of the changes to the floor in an effort to identify the root cause of their struggles. This weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix is seen as a crucial opportunity for the team to gather more data and assess whether the new floor is indeed the issue. George Russell also weighed in on the situation, mentioning that additional new parts are in development, which could help restore the team's competitive edge. He expressed confidence that regardless of the performance in Azerbaijan, the team would be able to determine whether the floor upgrade was responsible for their recent difficulties. The ongoing analysis and upcoming races will be vital for Mercedes as they aim to regain their form and improve their performance for the remainder of the season. The challenges faced by Mercedes serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in Formula 1 car development. As teams introduce new components, the effects can be unpredictable, requiring time and experimentation to fully understand their implications. The team's commitment to learning from their experiences will be essential as they navigate this challenging phase and work towards a more successful future.