Mercedes forced to change chassis for Russell after scary crash

After a scary crash for George Russell in the second practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin has revealed that so severe was the damage to the Briton’s W15 that the Brackley-based outfit needed to change the chassis for Saturday.

On the back of a tough qualifying session, McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell fear that they will not be able to challenge the Ferraris, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for the top positions at today’s Mexico City Grand Prix.

Having endured a high-speed crash in Free Practice 2, Mercedes managed to repair George Russell’s car for qualifying day at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Briton didn’t look discombobulated by his crash as he looked fairly competitive on Pirelli’s soft tyres both in final practice and in qualifying. Although Mercedes did not have the outright pace to challenge for a spot in the first two rows, Russell managed to secure a P5 on the grid for today’s race at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

His team-mate Lewis Hamilton looked competitive in the first two qualifying sessions, but he had two messy laps in the final segment which saw him end up only sixth on the grid.

Reflecting on Mercedes’ showing on Saturday, the Brackley-based outfit’s team boss Toto Wolff has acknowledged that the third row was the maximum for his team given the three rivals squads’ performance this weekend.

“P5 and P6 was a fair result today. We didn’t have the pace of the front three teams so the third row was likely the best we could have managed. We still needed to execute well though; Qualifying was not straightforward with both Red Bull and McLaren losing a car in Q1.

“Ultimately, we were within two tenths of the front row with George, who is running the previous specification this weekend. Whilst that is a little frustrating, it can give us encouragement heading into tomorrow’s race that we may be able to pick up the pieces if those ahead don’t execute well.

“It was a tougher session for Lewis. He only made small set-up changes after FP3, but he didn’t feel as comfortable with the car as he had done earlier in the day. It was a solid job to take P6 and he will be looking forward tomorrow.

“Finally, it is important to recognise the great work of the team in the garage. They have not had an easy time of it in the past couple of races. After George’s accident yesterday, they worked through much of the night to get the car ready and did a superb job. To consistently operate at that level, particularly during an intense triple-header, is testament to the team spirit and professionalism that keep driving us forward.”

Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin has revealed that so severe was the damage to the Briton’s W15 that the Brackley-based outfit needed to change the chassis for Saturday.

“The team worked hard through the night to repair George’s car following yesterday’s accident in FP2. It was a heavy shunt and there was extensive damage, including to the chassis.

“That forced us into a switch of chassis, but we were able to complete the work and have both cars on track for FP3. That is a major credit to the team in the garage, who have had dealt with the challenges that have come our way both here and in Austin effectively and efficiently.

“Heading into Qualifying, we knew we would have a tall task to get ourselves into the fight for the top-three. The Ferraris have looked quick all weekend and McLaren popped up in FP3 with some competitive times. It is therefore frustrating that we fell just a couple of tenths shy of getting on the front-row.

“We know that P5 and P6 is likely a fair result though given our pace so far this weekend. With the speed of those ahead, we know it won’t be easy to make progress from the third row. Nevertheless, will be looking to take every opportunity that comes our way tomorrow to do so.”