F1 News: Sky Sports pundit SLAMS Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton woes continue

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Saudi Arabia, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Latest F1 News

F1 pundit SLAMS Mercedes as Hamilton woes continue

The seven-time champion has been left distraught with his car's performance

Tyler Rowlinson

Wednesday 27 March 2024 18:57 Updated: 19:52

Sky Sports F1 pundit Naomi Schiff gave a brutal assessment on Mercedes as the team continue to struggle with their machinery.

It has been a disappointing few years for the German team, as they are yet to fully extract the best from any of their cars since the start of the ground effect era.

Article continues under video

Mercedes have won only one race since the new regulations came into the sport in 2022, which came from George Russell at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Team-mate Lewis Hamilton has not claimed victory since Jeddah in 2021 and will leave the Brackley-based squad at the end of the 2024 season to make a sensational move to rivals Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton had a dismal weekend in Australia

Mercedes suffered a double retirement in the race

Schiff blasts Mercedes

The Brit’s woes with Mercedes machinery has continued into this season, as he is yet to qualify above eighth so far in 2024.

In Australia, the seven-time champion was eliminated in Q2 after struggling to extract any performance from the W15.

It got worse in the race, as an engine failure forced him to retire on lap 17 in what was a miserable weekend for the team, capped off with a double retirement after George Russell crashed on the final lap.

The 39-year-old’s discontent with the car was clear to see across the weekend and left him seething in his post-race interview.

Speaking with Sky Sports after qualifying, F1 pundit Naomi Schiff blasted the team for not resolving their issues and repeating themselves when they arise.

"It's not just messing with his mind but our minds as well,” she said. “On Friday, they were off the pace then in final practice they got out on track and were really quick, so for him to drop out in Q2, it's just kind of 'what's going on?'

"It's been inconsistent for a long time. It's frustrating for them to come out with the same statements about what's wrong with the car.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes George Russell Sky Sports Naomi Schiff