The start of the F1 season 2022 was difficult for the Mercedes F1 team, which is preparing for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The German team faces a significant backlog where they are still diligently looking for a solution for the disappointing performance.
According to team boss Toto Wolff, there is no panacea that can suddenly improve the performance of the troubled team.
Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell are not yet fully participating in the battle for the world title for drivers. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion is fifth in the standings behind Russell. Charles Leclerc is in the lead with 45 points, followed by his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz who has 33 points in his pocket. Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen closes the top 3 with 25 points. Hamilton has 16, Russell 22.
Times standings and differences after round 2 Formula 1 season 2022
The manufacturers are also well behind the competition. Ferrari leads the battle for the world title with 78 points ahead of the Silver Arrows who have collected 38 points. Oracle Red Bull Racing follows P3 with 1 point behind.
Toto Wolf: “We are in a learning race and the first two weekends have shown that we still have a lot to learn. At the moment our track performance is not meeting our own expectations, but everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is focused on understanding the problems and finding the right solutions.”
“There won’t be a magic solution for the next race weekend, but we are doing everything we can to make steady gains in the coming races, hopefully bringing us closer to the front of the pack. Until then, we need to maximize every opportunity and make the most of the package we have.”
“So there are different challenges ahead of us, but that’s something we enjoy and when a team really shows its true spirit. Lewis and George make a significant contribution to the overall effort by providing feedback, spending time in the simulator and working together to move us forward.”
“Now we are going back to Melbourne for the first time since 2020 and racing in Australia for the first time in three years – that’s too long for a city and country so passionate about F1. We are looking forward to the fans and the new track layout that promises more overtaking opportunities and faster lap times.”