Mercedes faced disappointment at the Canadian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton labeled his race as “shocking,” while teammate George Russell expressed regret for mistakes that cost them a stronger finish.
Despite Mercedes showing promising pace throughout the weekend, including Russell securing pole position, they couldn’t convert it into a dominant performance during the race. Russell managed to secure Mercedes’ first podium of the season, finishing behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, but both drivers were critical of their overall performance.
Hamilton expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “It was a pretty disastrous afternoon yesterday [qualification] and today the race was shocking.” He highlighted the need for improvement, acknowledging the team’s progress but admitting to making too many mistakes.
Russell, too, owned up to errors, apologizing to his team for moments where he ran wide and had a late clash with Oscar Piastri. Despite feeling like he let the team down, he pushed hard in the final laps to reclaim a podium position, emphasizing the team’s improved pace throughout the weekend.
Verstappen managed to clinch victory despite challenging conditions, with rain before the race and frequent safety car periods adding to the drama. He commended his team for making the right calls strategically, helping him secure his sixth win of the season and extend his championship lead.
While Mercedes may feel they missed an opportunity in Canada, Russell remains optimistic about the team’s progress and performance, indicating a positive outlook for future races.
