Mercedes leaves the Australian Grand Prix with nothing and Hamilton expresses “shame”: “The worst start to the season ever” – Formula 1

Sunday's Australian Grand Prix was a bad memory for Mercedes, who failed to get either car to the finish line. Lewis Hamilton was forced to retire with engine problems, and George Russell also crashed after a crash with Fernando Alonso, resulting in a 20-second penalty for the Spaniard. Frustration is the word in the German team's garage, as Ferrari took advantage of Max Verstappen's misfortune and put its drivers in the top positions on the podium. Lewis Hamilton, who has scored only 8 points in three races this season, ensures that this is his worst start to the season ever. “It's the worst start to a season ever. Much worse than 2009,” said the 39-year-old seven-time world champion, who will start driving a Ferrari in 2025. “I'm trying to put things into perspective and I think it could be a lot worse. I love coming to Australia and working with this team. But of course I also want to fight for wins and finish races.”

He continued, citing the English press: “It is never good to come this far and not even finish half the race. I know we will be able to turn this around and get there in the end. We have to keep fighting.”

However, after George Russell's retirement, Hamilton admitted that these results discouraged the team. “It's difficult for the team spirit. People have worked a lot over the winter, they have arrived excited, with the idea that we will fight for victories. But that's not the case. So they think 'well, maybe second or third place'. “But that's not the case either. It happens and things sink in even more. “And you have to move through all these emotions, it's hard.”

He added, “I still feel challenged by the people I work with. They keep trying hard and showing up, and that's the most important thing,” stressing, “We feel frustrated because we're not in control. I'm not.” “Happy, but I'll definitely have a better day tomorrow.”