Mercedes F1 was in for a rollercoaster of emotions at the United States Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battling for glory at the Circuit of the Americas. The race saw both drivers face early setbacks, strategic tire decisions, a heart-pounding pursuit of victory, and gut-wrenching DQ.
A Rocky Start
Starting from the third and fifth positions, expectations were high for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. However, the race got off to a rocky start for the Mercedes duo.
The veteran found himself dropping to fourth place while the young driver slipped down to eighth after a difficult start. Their hopes for victory seemed to be dwindling, but they were far from giving up.
Strategic Tire Choices
As the race unfolded, the team faced strategic tire decisions. Max Verstappen’s pitstop triggered the first round of tire changes, and Mercedes F1 had to decide between a one-stop and a two-stop strategy.
Both Hamilton and Russell initially opted to stay out on the track, allowing several competitors to gain track position. However, their tires soon deteriorated, and they were forced to commit to a two-stop strategy.
Running on the Hard tires, Hamilton made an impressive recovery. He strategically utilized the tire offset to overtake Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, narrowing the gap to the race leader. In the end, Hamilton fell just short of a victory, finishing less than two seconds behind the Red Bull driver.
George Russell also followed a similar strategy, closing in on Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in the final stages of the race. While he had to settle for seventh place, Russell’s performance showcased the potential for a podium finish.
Disqualification Drama
The post-race drama unfolded during the checks, revealing that Hamilton’s car exceeded the allowed limit for plank wear. As a result, both the seven-time champion and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from their respective positions.
This unexpected turn of events cast a shadow over Mercedes F1’s otherwise strong showing at the US Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s Positive Outlook
Despite the disqualification, Hamilton maintained a positive outlook in his post-race interview. He congratulated Verstappen and Red Bull for their remarkable performance throughout the year. He expressed hope that with a few more laps, he might have secured victory.
The Briton also acknowledged the team’s efforts to bring upgrades to the car and the challenges faced since the previous race in Qatar.
George Russell’s Disappointment and Hope
George Russell voiced his disappointment over his performance, particularly during the race start when he lost several positions. He revealed that the Hard tires did not perform as expected, causing a significant drop in pace.
Despite this, the budding Mercedes F1 driver remained hopeful, citing improvements in the car’s performance. He expressed excitement and motivation for the upcoming races, believing that the team’s prospects would be more favorable.
Toto Wolff’s Assessment
Mercedes F1 Team Principal & CEO Toto Wolff provided an insightful assessment of the team’s performance. He emphasized the positive aspects of the car’s performance, particularly in challenging track conditions with fast, sweeping corners.
Wolff acknowledged that setup choices during a sprint weekend were challenging, especially when running a new package. He stressed the importance of learning from the experience and coming back stronger in the next race.
Final Thoughts
The journey of Mercedes F1 at the United States Grand Prix was filled with ups and downs, from early setbacks to strategic tire choices and a near-victory that slipped away. While a disqualification marred their achievements, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell demonstrated their resilience and determination. Meanwhile, the team’s leadership, exemplified by Toto Wolff, remains focused on continuous improvement as they prepare for the challenges ahead.