Mercedes Struggles in Monaco Qualifying
Monaco, May 27, 2023 – Mercedes faced a significant setback during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, with George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli both failing to secure competitive grid positions.
Russell’s qualifying campaign ended prematurely when he was forced to retire his W16 after an electrical issue, attributed to a bump at Turn 1. "I lost power after hitting a bump and couldn’t restart the car," Russell explained. He ultimately qualified 14th, one position ahead of Antonelli, who crashed out of Q1, finishing 15th. Antonelli acknowledged his mistake, stating, "It was an unnecessary crash. I think I was already through."
The challenges at Monaco follow a disappointing performance at Imola, where Russell placed seventh and Antonelli retired due to a throttle problem. Russell expressed frustration with the missed opportunity for a top-four qualifying position. "We had a real chance this weekend," he noted, reflecting on the setup changes made prior to Q1.
Both drivers now face the task of regaining momentum during the race, particularly with the newly implemented mandatory two-stop strategy at Monaco. Russell considers possible strategic variations but remains cautious about his starting position: "There are 10 cars between me and where we should have been. If teams take different strategies, we’ll still be trapped behind five drivers."
As the race approaches, Mercedes must navigate these challenges while seeking to maximize the potential from their cars amid a demanding circuit.
