LEWIS HAMILTON’S Mercedes race engineer didn’t mince his words after the Silver Arrows’ underwhelming performance in Saudi Arabia last weekend.
The seven-time world champion struggled from the outset in Jeddah, being eliminated in Q1 on Saturday and qualifying in P16.
Lewis Hamilton has endured a difficult start to the season
The Brit has struggled to get to grips with his new car
Hamilton, 37, then endured a difficult race – not pitting for more than 40 laps before slumping to tenth.
The British icon wasn’t even sure he’d secured a point, but was gracious to his team after crossing the line.
He said on the team radio: “Another tough day in the office guys, but thank you so much for trying.”
Race engineer Peter Bonnington replied: “Yeah, hopefully not too many more s*** days, Lewis.”
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He then added: “Okay Lewis, that’s P10. Sorry about that.”
To which perennial champion Hamilton responded: “Is there even a point for that position?”
The solitary point earned for his Saudi P10 takes Hamilton fifth in the early driver standings – behind team-mate George Russell, reigning champion Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and early front-runner Charles Leclerc.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that the Silver Arrows are “having no fun at all”.
He told Sky Sports: “We were right in the middle of those fun games at the front for eight years.
“It’s extremely painful to not be part of those games by quite a chunk of lap-time deficit. It’s no fun at all.
“It’s an exercise in humility and it’s going to make us stronger in the end, even though it’s not fun right now.”
Mercedes are expected to have improved their car by the time Melbourne roles around next week.
New parts were set to be launched later in the year, but could be brought forward due to their current woes.
Toto Wolff has preached humility within the Mercedes camp
