Mercedes Faces Disappointment with Joint-Worst F1 Finish

Mercedes endured their worst performance of the year at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with George Russell finishing fifth and his teammate sixth, both suffering from significant tire overheating and degradation issues. Team principal Toto Wolff expressed frustration and confusion over the team's lack of race pace, particularly after Russell had qualified third and appeared poised for a stronger result. Russell and Wolff both highlighted that tire blistering led to a dramatic drop in pace, leaving the team unable to compete with rivals such as Leclerc and Norris, who overtook Russell during the race. Despite efforts to manage the tires, Russell noted that even with a different strategy, a better finishing position was unlikely, as the pace simply was not there. The Mercedes team acknowledged tire overheating as a clear weakness and emphasized the need for rapid improvement moving forward. Nevertheless, Mercedes remains second in the constructors’ championship, though well behind the leaders.