At present, Mercedes are one of the most consistent teams on the grid. The perfect definition of a complete team is the all round development and expertise of all members. Well, the Germans fitted that well, until last Sunday.
The Sakhir Grand Prix was developing to be an unexpected race for Mercedes. Not just for the surreal pit stop that took everyone by surprise, but also the splendid performance by Russell. However, after their double pit stop on Lap 61, they became the laughingstock of the grid.
Easily labeled as one of the worst pit stops ever, Silver Arrows will have a hard time forgetting it. Not only did they tarnish their record of being a super efficient crew, but also cost Russell his podium. The blunder that may feature in fail compilations on YouTube got mocked even by Mercedes’ Twitter page.
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Someone asked us to post the pit stops from Sunday on our Instagram Reels.
But Reels can only be 30s. Sorry.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 9, 2020
F1 pit stop timings are essential to the driver’s performance. Although the stress of double stops is immense on the crew, a maximum of seconds combined is ideal. However, the Silver Arrows crew took almost half a minute. Although exhausted, Mercedes AMG Twitter could not let this slide.
The admin took a huge jab at his own pit crew earlier today. Their tweet read, “Someone asked us to post the pit stops from Sunday on our Instagram Reels. But Reels can only be 30s. Sorry.”
Mercedes may have a chance at redemption
Mercedes’ Twitter handle had spent the entire year trolling Ferrari, week after week. The Italians could not render a befitting reply as they themselves were ashamed of their failing form. However, they did not compromise on their humor at their own team’s fails.
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Mercedes can well build from their fault and come back stronger. However, one fact that will haunt them eternally is that they failed George Russell. On a night where the Briton was flying in the AMG, luck messed up his stint. Although none may point fingers, it will disappoint the Silver Arrows.
Lewis Hamilton’s race on Sunday is yet uncertain. Although the racer is maintaining his health and keeping a pleasant form, he is yet to confirm his cockpit for Abu Dhabi. Toto Wolff highlighted that Lewis’ health is of prime importance to the team. Thus, for him to race, he will have to be perfectly fit and ready.
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This cloud of uncertainty may render a redemption chance to the team. George Russell may claim his fleeting podium, and the crew shall regain its place among the grid as one of the best. Well, it’s only a matter of time before the Germans’ fate unfolds for all to see.
Read More Toto Wolff Admits Mercedes’ Uncertainty Over Lewis Hamilton Returning for Abu Dhabi GP