close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • Flag of Netherlands
  • Flag of United Kingdom
  • Flag of United Kingdom

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

Flag of Netherlands Flag of United Kingdom
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton look glum as they walk through the paddock — Photo: © IMAGO
Timezone settings

Mercedes stars BEMOAN their place in 'no-man's land'

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell discuss their lack of pace compared to F1 frontrunners.

Sheona Mountford
F1 Journalist
Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.
Google Make us your Google favorite

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton have stated that Mercedes are in ‘no-man’s land’ after a frustrating grand prix in Imola.

The German team recently brought upgrades to their car, alongside rivals Ferrari and Red Bull, and would have been hoping for improvements this weekend.

READ MORE: New Audi F1 driver REPLACEMENT target emerges despite Sainz links

Teams like McLaren have clearly made gains on Red Bull, with Lando Norris pressuring Max Verstappen for the win at the end of the race.

However, Mercedes were still a distance away from their closest competitors, finishing in sixth and seventh, with Hamilton ahead of Russell.

<a href=Max Verstappen won in Imola" src="https://sportsbase.io/images/gpfans/copy_620x348/0631736c93e563a69ff034934c5390852541ec48.jpg">
Max Verstappen won in Imola
Mercedes failed to catch their rivals despite bringing upgrades
Mercedes failed to catch their rivals despite bringing upgrades

Have Mercedes’ upgrades helped the team?

Russell had been ahead of Hamilton for the majority of the race, until he pitted a second time with the seven-time champion staying out on a one-stop strategy.

Following the race, both Mercedes drivers provided a stark assessment of their performance in Imola, claiming that the team were in ‘no-man’s land’.

“P6 and a P7 at the end of the day as a team we scored one extra point. I lost my position to Lewis but I’m not going to sulk over losing a P6 to be honest,” Russell said to Sky Sports after the race.

“This is where we are right now a little bit in no-man’s land behind the Ferrari’s and the McLaren’s and ahead of the midfield.”

READ MORE: Horner reveals Perez CHANGE after disastrous race in Imola

<a href=George Russell claims Mercedes are in 'no-man's land'" src="https://sportsbase.io/images/gpfans/copy_620x348/0972f5f8f6c70d68a578e3e29a65d71beddbdad9.jpg">
George Russell claims Mercedes are in 'no-man's land'

Lewis Hamilton also echoed Russell’s sentiments, trying to draw the positives from the weekend.

“We got points so that’s a positive,” Hamilton added.

“We’re in no-man’s land but I think that’s a strong finish in general for us. I don’t think there was much more for us.”

READ MORE: F1 boss provides reason for Ricciardo REPLACEMENT

Ontdek het op Google Play
x