George Russell recently shared his insights following their botches at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The team’s preparation missteps, according to the young driver, stemmed from the unique Sprint race regulations that demanded teams to lock in their setups after just one practice session. This critical decision-making moment under the Sprint rules left Mercedes struggling to keep pace with their competitors. The outcome of this misalignment was evident in the Brazilian Sprint, with Lewis Hamilton securing only a minor points finish.

Lessons Learned and Confidence for the Vegas Grand Prix

Looking ahead to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, George Russell affirmed that Mercedes has gathered valuable reflections from their challenging Brazilian experience. Acknowledging the sensitivity of Sprint race weekends, the Mercedes driver emphasized the importance of getting the setup right for a successful campaign.

Despite the grueling nature of the Sao Paulo weekend, both Russell and Hamilton expressed confidence that they won’t fall into the same trap in the upcoming race in Las Vegas. The team is determined to apply their newfound understanding to avoid a repeat of the setbacks encountered in Brazil.

Lewis Hamilton Reflects on “One of the Worst” Weekends

Hamilton, echoing Russell’s sentiments, characterized the São Paulo weekend as “one of the worst” he can recall. Admitting that the team had placed the car in the wrong window, the veteran racer emphasized the potential within the Mercedes vehicle.

The seven-time champion asserted that the experience, though painful, provides crucial lessons, and the team is motivated to finish the season on a strong note. With a focus on learning from the loss, Hamilton expressed certainty in their ability to rebound from the setbacks encountered in Brazil.

Final Thoughts

As Mercedes gears up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the team aims to fortify their position in the constructors’ standings, where they currently face a challenge from Ferrari, trailing by a mere 20 points. Simultaneously, Lewis Hamilton eyes closing the 32-point gap to Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in the drivers’ battle. The team remains optimistic about their ability to bounce back, armed with the lessons learned from the São Paulo affair.