Mercedes F1 Takes Podium in Italy, Performance Still Lacking

Clawing Back

2022 has proven to be the most challenging season that Mercedes-AMG Formula One Team has had in nearly a decade. Having shown signs of a dwindling dominance last year, conceding the drivers' world championship for the first time since 2013. And this year with the regulation changes, the Silver Arrows have been a step or two behind Red Bull and Ferrari in terms of pace. As the season has developed, though, the team has started to claw its way back to challenge the top two. 

The New Kid on the Block

While the factory has been working hard to close the performance gap, the team's newest driver, George Russell has been putting in top-notch performances on a regular basis. He's finished on the podium seven times this year, including this past weekend in Monza. He currently sits in fourth place in the drivers' standings, behind two Reb Bulls and a Ferrari. And significantly, ahead of one Ferrari and his legendary teammate, Lewis Hamilton.

Performance Lacking

Russell came in third place at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, once again finishing further up than was expected. He brought home a nice haul of points, which he has happy about. But he had complaints about the car's performance. “Strange weekend," remarked the British driver. "We started off on a really strong foot in FP1, the car was feeling great, pace was strong, and it just went away from us, and we don’t really know why that was.”

Tire Management Issue?

The issue may have been related to tires, according to Russell. The car seemed to be able to keep up with the front-runners during the initial phase while on the soft compound tires. But the drivers weren't able to sustain that throughout. This meant a race in which George Russell spent the majority of the 53 laps around the Monza circuit. 

Will They Catch Up?

The race ended somewhat controversially, and certainly anti-climatically, behind the safety car. Max Verstappen took the win for the fifth time in as many races. Ferrari's Charles LeClerc was the runner-up ahead of Russell in third. The second Ferrari driver, Spain's Carlos Sainz took fourth place and Lewis Hamilton brought his Mercedes home in 5th. This means Ferrari has been able to put a few more points between them and Mercedes in the battle for second place in the constructors' title. With six races, left, the competition is set to heat up. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes they have a chance to make up the difference and end the year in second place.

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