Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Russell didn\u2019t hide his concern about the direction of Mercedes\u2019 development. \u201cThe trends are pretty clear. When it's hot, we're slow. When it's cold, we're quick. That was the same last year,\u201d he said, referencing the recurring struggle Mercedes has faced across two consecutive campaigns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Mercedes introducing upgraded front suspension and a new front wing at Imola \u2014 parts that had raised hopes within the garage \u2014 the car once again faltered when track temperatures rose. While Russell\u2019s disappointing result was partially shaped by an unfortunate Virtual Safety Car timing and a questionable strategic call, the core issue, he said, lies deeper than race-day circumstances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe've been doing everything with the setup to try and find solutions, but there's clearly something more fundamental in the car,\u201d he acknowledged.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Russell currently sits fourth in the drivers\u2019 standings, 47 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri. While the Mercedes driver has managed to punch above the car\u2019s true performance so far, with four podiums in the first six rounds, the limitations became stark at Imola.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not the first race this season where we've been slower than Ferrari, or even on par with Williams,\u201d Russell admitted. \u201cWe\u2019ve just somehow managed to get a result out of it on those occasions. But today, we were very lucky to finish P7 in all honesty.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mercedes\u2019 second driver, rookie Kimi Antonelli, had a disappointing home debut as well, forced to retire with a throttle issue. Yet, with Verstappen lacking consistent support at Red Bull and Ferrari also faltering in recent races, Mercedes remains second in the Constructors\u2019 Championship.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, they trail McLaren \u2014 now clearly the form team \u2014 by a daunting 132 points.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Russell\u2019s assessment reveals a growing concern within the Brackley-based squad about their inability to adapt to different track temperatures. The car\u2019s tyre performance appears to fluctuate drastically depending on conditions, echoing Mercedes\u2019 troubles from last season when they were more competitive in cooler races but lost pace in the summer heat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 2025 car, which was expected to be a significant evolution, still seems to carry forward the same inconsistency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Russell\u2019s assessment reveals a growing concern within the Brackley-based squad about their inability to adapt to different track temperatures. The car\u2019s tyre performance appears to fluctuate drastically depending on conditions, echoing Mercedes\u2019 troubles from last season when they were more competitive in cooler races but lost pace in the summer heat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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