Mercedes
The Monaco Grand Prix was one to neglect for Mercedes. They began each automobiles on the onerous tyre, within the hopes of some late Security Automobiles to realize an inexpensive pit cease. Antonelli struggled on that compound, combating with Bortoleto on the opening lap. However as soon as that settled, they discovered themselves in a queue backed up first by Lawson, after which by Sainz, after which by Albon. With automobiles disappearing up the highway and two stops nonetheless to make, Russell opted to run over the chicane and overtake the Williams, incomes himself a drive by way of penalty for that misdemeanour. However as he was now not held up, he served his penalty and pitted twice and nonetheless completed forward of his group mate – who additionally held up the sphere, and paid the value by pitting late to drop to final.
George Russell, eleventh
“It actually felt like we have been enjoying chess as we speak on observe with this new necessary two cease regulation. The technique was for Kimi and I to assist one another out and achieve positions all through the race. Sadly, Williams and Racing Bulls opted for a similar technique, and it left us with none actual choices. We nonetheless tried to play the lengthy recreation, hoping for a Security Automotive or crimson flag, however nothing fell our manner.
“With this regulation, it was straightforward for groups to work collectively, inverting automobiles and giving free stops prospects. Driving 4 seconds off the tempo and never being overtaken is simple right here in Monaco so the calculation to do this is simple to make. On the brilliant facet, I actually loved my final 10 laps. Monaco is likely one of the greatest circuits on the planet and I had the possibility to push to the restrict and luxuriate in essentially the most of it in these closing phases.”
Kimi Antonelli, 18th
“I’m disillusioned with as we speak’s outcome however that was finally not a shock having certified P15 yesterday. It was not essentially the most thrilling race we’ve ever carried out, and the technique didn’t work out in our favour.
“I attempted to be aggressive at first of the race, to realize as many positions as doable. I made a transfer on Bortoleto earlier than the tunnel; I had the tempo and went for it and was in a position to transfer up one place. After that, we tried to play the lengthy recreation however different midfield groups like Racing Bulls and Williams have been working their very own race and we discovered ourselves in a prepare, manner off the tempo, with no prospects to overhaul.
“Regardless of the disappointing outcome, Monaco has been one other good studying weekend for me. I struggled so much on the C6 tyre compound, similar to in Imola, and struggled to get the one laps in. I’m pleased to go to Barcelona now the place we might be on the more durable tyre compounds that I do know properly.”
Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“In the present day was simply not our day. Beginning P14 and P15 was going to be a problem, and we knew about this from the beginning. There have been no situations that would have introduced us some factors and hoping for a crimson flag or a Security Automotive was the one choice obtainable to us. Saturday’s Qualifying penalized us for as we speak’s race, and that is often the case in Monaco if you begin additional again within the area.
“It was a irritating race for our group, and I’m positive many followers didn’t benefit from the spectacle. As a sport, we’ll have a look at the necessary two cease regulation and see how we will keep away from these conditions in future. Monaco remains to be a type of unimaginable occasions although and an unbelievable spectacle. It’s an entertaining weekend, however it’s no shock that Saturday is sort of extra necessary than race day itself. We should be sure to not lose the magic of Monaco, while creating the very best racing we will round these slender streets.”
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director
“In the present day is a giant disappointment for the group. Nonetheless, beginning to date down the grid, we didn’t anticipate every other end result from this race. Our technique right here was counting on potential crimson flags and incidents which, ultimately, by no means occurred.
“From Free Apply to Qualifying, we struggled with the automobile stability, the tyres and it made tough for the drivers to construct their confidence and to seek out the tempo for higher timed laps on Saturday. We weren’t ok yesterday and that basically sealed the destiny of our weekend. All we will do is mud ourselves down and are available again stronger subsequent weekend. We depart Monaco with a number of issues to work on and lots of enhancements to make. We might be working flat out within the subsequent few days to supply a greater degree of efficiency in Barcelona and get again to combating for the rostrum.”
