Mercedes woes continue as Russell grapples with engine issues in Baku GP practice session

The Mercedes Formula 1 team experienced a day of contrasting fortunes during Friday's free practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While Lewis Hamilton showed promising performance, his teammate George Russell faced significant challenges that could impact his weekend.

Russell's Engine Woes

George Russell encountered a series of setbacks throughout the day. After FP1, Mercedes detected an anomaly in the oil analysis of Russell's engine, prompting a precautionary engine swap for FP2. This change delayed Russell's entry into the second session, putting him on the back foot for the weekend. To compound matters, Russell also experienced a sensor failure towards the end of the day, further hampering his practice time.

Hamilton's Positive Outlook

In stark contrast, Lewis Hamilton had a much more productive day. The seven-time world champion finished FP2 in third place, just 0.066 seconds behind the pace-setter Charles Leclerc. Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt comfortable from the start and was able to make consistent improvements to his setup throughout the day.

Team's Performance Assessment

Despite Russell's struggles, the team remains optimistic about their potential for the weekend. Hamilton's strong showing suggests that the Mercedes car is capable of competing at the front of the pack. However, both drivers and the team are maintaining a cautious approach, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding fuel loads and the tendency for performance gaps to shift during qualifying.

Looking Ahead

As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend progresses, Mercedes faces the challenge of getting both cars up to speed. Russell will need to overcome his setbacks and find more confidence in the car, while Hamilton aims to maintain his positive momentum. With Ferrari and Red Bull also showing strong pace, the stage is set for an intriguing battle in the streets of Baku.