Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is fuming after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with new evidence emerging regarding performance issues that plagued both of their drivers.

The team’s frustrations were compounded by separate struggles for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, leading to a disappointing finish in Baku.

Hamilton Reveals Car Component Issue After Tough Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton has disclosed that a misbuilt component on his Mercedes F1 car significantly impacted his performance during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion, who qualified seventh—four tenths behind teammate George Russell—opted to start from the pit lane after taking a new power unit. Unfortunately, Hamilton could only manage a ninth-place finish in the race, benefiting from late-race collisions involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.

Speaking after the race, Hamilton revealed that his car felt good during Friday’s practice sessions, but issues arose after “tiny changes” made overnight. “One of the components wasn’t correctly built, and that led us the wrong way,” Hamilton stated, adding that the error wasn’t discovered until late in the race. The British driver refrained from revealing what the specific component was when asked by the media but confirmed it had been fixed after the car was taken out of parc fermé conditions.

Despite the repairs, Hamilton struggled for pace throughout the race, with onboard footage showing him driving in a highly unusual manner. “It was the worst balance I’ve probably ever had,” he admitted. “I had so much front-end [grip] but no rears. I had to yank the steering to break traction at the front through every corner. It’s the weirdest way I’ve ever had to drive.”

Russell Faces Engine Woes, But Mercedes Optimistic

George Russell also had a challenging weekend in Baku, encountering engine problems during Friday’s free practice sessions. Mercedes detected an oil anomaly in the analysis of Russell’s power unit after FP1, prompting the team to swap the engine for FP2 as a precautionary measure. The British driver’s performance was further compromised by additional issues at the end of the second session, putting him on the back foot heading into qualifying.

Despite the setbacks, Mercedes remained confident that the removed engine could be used again after thorough analysis. Russell, however, admitted to struggling with confidence and pace throughout the weekend. “It wasn’t our finest Friday, that’s for sure,” Russell said, acknowledging the need to step up his game for the next race.

Mercedes’ Future in Flux: Russell Eyes Long-Term Career as Verstappen Rumors Swirl

In a surprising twist, George Russell has spoken about his long-term future in Formula 1, revealing that he believes he can race for another 20 years. As Lewis Hamilton reportedly edges toward a move to Ferrari at the end of the season, Russell is positioning himself as Mercedes’ leading driver for the years ahead.

However, Mercedes’ ultimate goal is reportedly to sign Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with team principal Toto Wolff admitting that conversations have been held with the Dutchman’s representatives. Although Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, rumors suggest Mercedes is plotting a move to secure him for the 2026 season.

Wolff hinted at these ambitions before the Azerbaijan GP, stating that while a deal for 2025 was unlikely, both parties remain open to future collaboration. “We agreed to continue our work here at Mercedes while Max focuses on Red Bull,” Wolff explained.

Young Star Kimi Antonelli Opens Up on Mental Struggles Amid Mercedes Promotion

Amid the changes at Mercedes, young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to join the team’s F1 lineup in 2025. The 19-year-old Italian has admitted to struggling mentally during a rollercoaster few weeks, including his Formula 1 debut at Monza, where he crashed during FP1. Despite the challenging debut, Mercedes confirmed Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton next year.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of recent events, Antonelli said, “Monza was not a really nice weekend on the mental side, but it was a relief to have the announcement finally official.” The young driver is now focused on preparing for his future with Mercedes, gaining trackside experience and working closely with the team.

Antonelli, who nearly clinched his first Formula 2 pole in Baku, expressed his excitement about joining Mercedes full-time. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside George [Russell] in 2025.”

As Mercedes navigates these turbulent times, the team remains optimistic about its future, despite recent frustrations on the track.