Mercedes has provided insights into their investigation after Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure led to his retirement at the Australian Grand Prix, an issue being scrutinized at their F1 power unit hub in Brixworth.
This incident, coupled with George Russell’s late crash, resulted in Mercedes’ first double DNF since 2018 at the Austrian Grand Prix.
During a post-race debrief, Mercedes Technical Director James Allison admitted the cause of Hamilton’s engine failure was unknown but expressed confidence in Brixworth’s ability to diagnose the issue.
The failure was marked by a sudden loss of oil pressure, prompting an engine shutdown to prevent further damage.
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Allison explained the importance of stopping the engine immediately to preserve evidence for a thorough investigation.
He reassured that once the problem was identified, efforts would be made to mitigate similar risks in the future.
Allison emphasized that reliability concerns were minimal, focusing instead on improving the W15’s performance and closing the gap to the front-runners.
He highlighted the rarity of double DNFs for Mercedes, attributing their overall reliability to the drivers’ skill and the team’s meticulous approach.
The emphasis remains on enhancing pace, with confidence in the car’s baseline reliability and the drivers’ abilities to avoid retirements.
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Despite the setbacks in Australia, including Hamilton’s declared struggles, Mercedes is determined to move forward.
The team currently stands fourth in the constructors’ standings, trailing behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull, following the season’s first three races.
The incident underscores Mercedes’ commitment to addressing any technical challenges while maintaining a focus on competitive performance.