Mercedes downplays diffuser talks with FIA after Ferrari query: 'It's small stuff'

Speaking after FP2, Lord explained that the discussions with the FIA had actually begun shortly after the Spanish Grand Prix, revealing that the governing body had issued a revised technical document before Montreal and had already carried out a full inspection of the W17's rear diffuser. He added that further exchanges between Mercedes and the FIA led the team to introduce a modified solution in Austria, while downplaying the overall significance of the matter and suggesting that the attention it has received publicly has been far greater than the technical impact of the changes themselves.

He also downplayed the significance of the changes, describing them as minor refinements rather than anything that would fundamentally affect the car's performance. While acknowledging that Formula 1 is decided by marginal gains, Lord said Mercedes was satisfied with how it had minimised any potential impact and was encouraged by the W17's performance during Friday's running in Austria.

George Russell played down Mercedes' FP2 result at the Austrian Grand Prix, explaining that his final position did not accurately reflect the W17's true potential after an error compromised his fastest lap. The Briton remained encouraged by the team's overall pace across Friday's running but admitted McLaren appears to have established itself as the benchmark once again, particularly in the hot conditions at the Red Bull Ring.

Russell pointed to a recurring pattern seen in recent warm-weather races, where McLaren has consistently taken a step forward while Mercedes has struggled to match that level of performance, leaving the Silver Arrows with work to do ahead of qualifying despite a promising showing on the long runs.

When asked if McLaren are a real threat, Russell said: “I think they are. I think there’s a real trend of these hot races that they’re strong. We saw it last year, or we’ve seen it for years now. Miami was the first real hot race, and they arguably could have won. Barcelona, Lando was a similar pace to ourselves, Lewis. And then here they look really strong again.”