11.6 C
Manchester
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Other SportsAustralian Grand Prix: Hamilton's confidence in Mercedes car at all-time low

Australian Grand Prix: Hamilton’s confidence in Mercedes car at all-time low

Lewis Hamilton said his confidence in Mercedes’ W15 car was at an all-time low after he struggled to 18th in Friday’s second practice session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton finished ninth in the opening session in Melbourne, only around a fifth of a second off pacesetter Lando Norris, but then slumped to 18th after Mercedes altered his setup between sessions.

Hamilton was heard to tell engineers “something’s wrong” over team radio as he struggled for pace, finishing well adrift of team-mate George Russell in sixth.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Formula One: Verstappen intends to see out Red Bull contract
Neville dismisses Man City-Liverpool as the Premier League’s greatest rivalry
IPL 2024: Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals – Preview, how to watch and prediction

The seven-time world champion has not won a single race since the end of the 2021 season and has expressed his frustrations with Mercedes’ last three cars.

He did likewise after Friday’s second practice, telling reporters: “I obviously don’t feel great. We had one of the worst sessions I’ve probably had for a long time.

“P1 generally felt quite good, the car in P1 felt the best it’s ever felt, and it just got worse and worse.

“We made some big changes into P2 and it was tough. After that session, I feel the least confident I’ve ever felt with this car but there are positives from that P1 run that we did.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hopes the session will serve as part of a learning curve, telling Sky Sports: “We have achieved to experiment, but we haven’t unlocked performance.

“In the second session, we went through quite a dramatic setup change on Lewis’ car and that has dramatically backfired, but this is why we are having those sessions.”

It was a better day for Hamilton’s future team Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc quickest ahead of Max Verstappen as Red Bull failed to hit their usual lofty heights.

Verstappen damaged the floor of his car in first practice and was unable to fully recover as Leclerc led him by 0.381 seconds, with Scuderia team-mate Carlos Sainz finishing third after missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitis.

Williams driver Alex Albon, meanwhile, missed the second session after crashing in the first, losing control on Turn Six as his car smashed into the wall at the next bend. Albon’s team said they were assessing the damage to his car after that incident.

Harry Carr
Harry Carr
Harry is a freelance sports journalist with experience of working for the Racing Post, Stats Perform, Opta Analyst and more, covering major events across all sports but holding a particular love for the beautiful game.
Latest

University of Salford unites global experts for cybersecurity conference

The University of Salford is set to join forces with Ukraine’s Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics on an online cybersecurity and software...

Family pay tribute to ‘happy go lucky’ man who died in fatal collision

A family have paid tribute to a much-loved son, brother and uncle and his dog, who died following a serious road traffic collision. Andrew Old...

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Advance train tickets now available on TransPennine Express machines

Advance train tickets are now available for customers to buy using TransPennine Express (TPE) ticket machines. Advance train tickets are single, one-way tickets purchased in advance...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

DVLA bans more than 500 new number plates

A Freedom of Information request made by private plate supplier Regtransfers reveals the banned number plates from the forthcoming  ‘75’ release. These latest plates will...

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Switch Roles Unveiled: The Job Board Changing How Retail Recruits

Retail and hospitality recruitment is being reimagined with the arrival of Switch Roles, a next-generation platform built by those who know the industry inside...

New public square unveiled in Gorton town centre

A new public square is now formally open, providing a new heart and focal point for the Gorton neighbourhood, while supporting the ongoing success...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...