Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton mentioned Mercedes are in “no-man’s land” after he completed Sunday’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in sixth place and 35 seconds behind Purple Bull’s race winner Max Verstappen.
Teammate George Russell completed seventh and Mercedes have fallen additional behind within the Formulation One constructors’ standings — fourth general on 79 factors whereas third-placed McLaren, who additionally use Mercedes engines, have 154.
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“We’re in no-man’s land. There wasn’t rather more for us to get as we speak,” Hamilton mentioned.
“It’s the place we’re and we have now to do the very best we are able to and that’s the finest we might do as we speak.”
Hamilton will transfer to Ferrari on the finish of the season and was racing in Italy for the primary time since that was introduced.
Russell additionally referred to “no-man’s land” however mentioned the once-dominant group had been nonetheless “super-motivated.”
“We have now bought to only maintain pushing. The automobile was able to P6 and P7 and that’s the place we completed.”
Workforce boss Toto Wolff felt Mercedes had taken a small step ahead.
“Our closest rivals have additionally finished so lately, however we have now closed the hole to the entrance somewhat. We nonetheless have plenty of work to do and, after all, we’re all pissed off ending P6 and P7,” Wolff mentioned.
“There may be extra to come back although, and it’s all about making incremental positive factors.”