Mercedes has faced significant challenges over the past two seasons in Formula 1, finding itself slipping down the rankings after the implementation of new technical regulations.
George Russell has tempered expectations regarding Mercedes’ ability to reverse its fortunes in the immediate future, given the team’s tough start to the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Throughout the first six rounds of the campaign, Mercedes has been unable to secure a podium finish, with Russell achieving the team’s best result of fifth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Since the advent of new technical regulations in 2022, the Brackley-based outfit has witnessed a decline in its position within the F1 hierarchy.
Having secured just one victory in the past 50 races, Russell has called upon the team to rally together as they strive to climb back up the grid.
In addressing the media, Russell emphasized the importance of managing expectations and maintaining morale despite the current challenges, stating, “I think we have to manage our expectations and not lose our spirits because this is the race car that we have.
“We’re not suddenly going to arrive at the next race and be fighting for pole position.
“As hard as we work, as much as we would love for that to happen right now, we are the fourth quickest team on a Saturday afternoon and, you know, in the midst of a third quickest team on a Sunday afternoon.
“That’s the reality, and we need to build from it.”
Mercedes unveiled upgrades during the recent Miami Grand Prix and plans to implement further enhancements to the W15 at Imola next weekend.
The team from Germany is optimistic that upcoming circuits, such as Barcelona where it demonstrated strong performance last year, will work to its advantage.
However, George Russell remained cautious about specifying a timeline for fully unleashing the potential of the car. In his words, “I wouldn’t be able to give you a time frame, to be honest, but it’s positive that we see why we are struggling as opposed to [being lost].
“I don’t think we’re lost. We know we’ve got a problem with the car, and we know a clear direction that we need to go.”
