F1 Results Today: Hamilton suffers Ferrari nightmare as unexpected c…read more
The opening session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend brought early drama and disappointment for both Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari team, as unexpected problems disrupted their FP1 (Free Practice 1) efforts at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. While Mercedes had reason to be cheerful thanks to George Russell setting the fastest lap of the session, things were far less positive on the other side of the garage—and particularly grim for Ferrari and Hamilton.
With the first practice session getting underway under mixed conditions, Ferrari quickly found themselves grappling with technical issues that severely hampered their performance. Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz described the situation as “double trouble,” referring to both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc facing mechanical difficulties early in the session. According to Kravitz, it was not just one car that was affected, but a widespread issue impacting both Ferrari drivers, raising alarm within the team about the reliability of their setup.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s problems seemed just as serious, if not more so. Around the halfway mark of FP1, mechanics were seen swarming around the rear end of his car, signaling trouble with the gearbox. With 36 minutes left on the clock, Hamilton’s car was essentially out of commission, prompting concerns about how prepared Mercedes would be for the remainder of the weekend. It was a frustrating setback for the seven-time world champion, who is still seeking to find consistency and pace in a season that has been marked by ups and downs.
The Mercedes team, although relieved by George Russell’s pace, had to deal with the Hamilton situation cautiously. The unexpected gearbox issue raises questions not only about reliability but also about whether the team is doing enough to ensure both drivers are adequately supported. Hamilton himself has previously expressed concerns about the direction of the car development and has on occasion hinted that internal decisions may be hampering his competitiveness.
Back at Ferrari, the mood was equally tense. With both cars suffering from apparent technical faults so early in the weekend, the team faces a race against time to identify and correct the problem before the sprint race and Sunday’s main event. Given Ferrari’s ambitions and recent improvements, a poor showing in Austria would be a major setback.
In short, while George Russell’s performance provided a glimmer of optimism for Mercedes, the broader picture heading into the Austrian Grand Prix is one of uncertainty and concern—especially for Hamilton and the struggling Ferrari team.
