Wolff has clear message after drama in qualifying: 'Wake up'

21:12, 26 Mar 2022
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Mercedes is having a dramatic Saturday after Lewis Hamilton finished only P16 during qualifying. George Russell, on the other hand, did better, but team boss Toto Wolff says it's time to "wake up."
Hamilton has already hinted to various media outlets that he may start from the pit lane after a dramatic qualifying session in which he finished only on P16. Wolff explained that it makes "no difference" whether Hamilton starts from the back or from the pit lane.
"We are going to try to adjust the car to maybe have better conditions tomorrow," Wolff told Sky Germany. The current performance of Hamilton's W13 is anything but good, so Mercedes will try to improve the set-up of the car. This means Hamilton will start from the pit lane on Sunday.

Mercedes needs to 'wake up'

"On Lewis' side they tried to experiment with the car and it really backfired. The margins are so small, he had no grip at all on the rear tires. We're just missing pace and now comes the point where we really need to pick ourselves up," Wolff continued. He stresses that it is time for Mercedes to "wake up".
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Upcoming race
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
Sun 05:00 AM

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