The Briton gained just one position during a relatively uneventful race, benefiting early from Alex Albon\u2019s struggles in the wet conditions. But beyond that, Mercedes were largely unable to challenge the front-runners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe need to understand why we've lost so much pace in recent races,\u201d Russell was quoted as saying by Formula 1.com. \u201cOf course, it's frustrating for all of us as a team. P5 was probably flattering the real pace of the car, so I'm at least happy we got the maximum possible.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mercedes had shown promise earlier in the season \u2014 Russell himself clinched victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in June \u2014 but the last three races have seen a marked dip in performance. According to Russell, the slide may be traced to a strategic shift the team made two months ago.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe made a clear change of direction a couple of months ago, and I think since that point we've taken a step backwards. Sometimes it takes a few races to understand what the real reasons are for that lack of pace, but clearly it seems like we need to revert back to what we had earlier in the season.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli had a tougher outing in Belgium. The 18-year-old Italian failed to make it past Q1 in qualifying for both the Sprint and the main race. After overnight setup changes \u2014 including a new front wing designed to boost downforce \u2014 Antonelli started from the pit lane and made two pit stops en route to a P16 finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the result, Antonelli drew positives from the adjustments and felt more at ease in the car.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday I had more confidence in the car, definitely with the new wing, I had more stability, and that was helping,\u201d Antonelli said. \u201cAlso, the car felt more connected, so I definitely took some confidence back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the result, Antonelli drew positives from the adjustments and felt more at ease in the car.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNow is the time to really try and work for Qualifying because when you start at the front, it's completely another story,\u201d he said. \u201cEspecially for Budapest, where it's even harder to overtake, we really need to do a good Qualifying and start at the front.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n