Hamilton beat world championship leader Max Verstappen to the top spot on the grid at the Hungaroring, ending the Dutchman’s five-race run of pole positions.
Mercedes has faced challenges with car balance throughout the season, and their expectations for this weekend’s event were not high. However, Hamilton’s surprising performance once again highlights the complexity of understanding the 2023 ground-effect machines.
After the qualifying session, where Alfa Romeo achieved its best starting positions in many years, Wolff commented that the outcome at Hungaroring further proves that the adjustments needed for the current cars make predictions nearly impossible.
Wolff expressed that the ground-effect cars are somewhat mysterious.
Teams’ performances appear to fluctuate, and Alfa deserves congratulations for securing fifth and seventh positions on the grid. It seems unclear if they fully comprehend the reasons behind their success.
“Red Bull appears to be the only team that has truly grasped and comprehended the situation, and perhaps McLaren as well.”
“I cannot reword”
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG, is interviewed on stage
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Wolff thought that the key factor for Hamilton achieving his first pole position since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was the newfound confidence provided by the W14.
Wolff stated that the car’s main vulnerability is not a deficiency in downforce, but rather its unpredictability.
The drivers lack the confidence to push themselves during qualifying sessions. However, today’s car provided them with the assurance to push without worrying about losing control while entering or exiting corners.
“I believe this is the primary aspect we must address, providing them with a car equilibrium that is consistently foreseeable.”
Russell mistake
Hamilton claimed pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but George Russell’s disappointment was evident as he finished 18th on the starting grid due to his failure to advance from Q1.
Wolff stated that Mercedes was responsible for the situation, as Russell encountered heavy traffic that hindered his attempts to exit the session.
He stated that Q1 was generally disorganized, not just for us, but for numerous others as well.
“There were an excessive number of cars on a solitary track, and we mistakenly placed him in the incorrect position. The initial attempt was already hindered.”
“Clearly, it was far from ideal that everyone crowded together in the final corner. We are aware of that. Additionally, there is no longer a consensus among the drivers, as he was passed by three cars between Turn 13 and Turn 14.”
“It is evident that this greatly impacts your final lap, but we must acknowledge our responsibility for not placing him in a more advantageous position.”
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