Lewis Hamilton encountered a challenging weekend at the Jeddah Grand Prix, qualifying in eighth position and ultimately finishing ninth after a strategic gamble during a safety car period failed to yield favorable results.
The demanding track layout exposed deficiencies in the car’s performance, particularly in fast corners, relegating both Hamilton and teammate George Russell to a position behind Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin cars. Mercedes found themselves benchmarked as the fifth fastest team on the grid.
Acknowledging the fundamental issues affecting the car’s performance, team principal Toto Wolff conceded Mercedes’ struggles with high-speed corners. Hamilton expressed concerns about the forthcoming races, anticipating further challenges on high-speed circuits due to the current package’s limitations.
Despite his enjoyment of racing battles, Hamilton admitted disappointment with the overall outcome, emphasizing the need for significant improvements to the car’s high-speed performance.
Reflecting on Mercedes’ position relative to competitors, Hamilton stressed the importance of addressing underlying issues to remain competitive throughout the season.