Motorsport photograph
Toto Wolff was left livid believing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was the “worst efficiency of the yr to this point” for .
The Silver Arrows completed fifth () and sixth () in Jeddah, because it considerably lagged behind rivals , Pink Bull and .
Commercial
Wolff was confused as to why Mercedes lacked tempo, particularly when it has had a robust begin to the 2025 Method 1 season coming into the grand prix second within the championship.
“It was clearly our worst efficiency of the yr to this point,” the Mercedes boss stated. “The tempo simply dropped away with blistering, overheating tyres and to this point we haven’t acquired a proof.”
The truth that Mercedes was fast in qualifying – Russell began the grand prix in third – made the frustration deeper for Wolff.
He added: “You handle your expectations being the second quickest – and even that’s not clearly what we’d want to obtain – and you then see the race panning out prefer it did. It simply provides to the frustration of the state of affairs.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Toto Wolff, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Commercial
Russell shared Wolff’s frustrations having struggled to handle his Pirelli tyres, telling Sky Sports activities F1 “they have been massively overheating”.
“I used to be pushing arduous to stick with Max at first of the second stint,” he added, “however I knew I wasn’t going to have the ability to maintain on and we fell off that cliff in the direction of the top.
“I used to be dropping a second a lap within the final 15 laps, however to be honest, we simply didn’t have the tempo and even when I had managed extra, I feel I nonetheless would have come residence in P5.
“We all know that it’s a little bit of a weak point of our automotive in the mean time. And coming residence P5 on a foul day – we’ll take it – however we have to attempt to enhance it shortly.”
Commercial
Russell added that the dearth of efficiency wasn’t attributable to hotter temperatures on monitor: “It’s about how briskly we’re going by way of these corners, and for no matter purpose, we have generated extra temperature than our rivals.
“Then out of the blue you get to a degree the place the tyres are like a balloon. We had blistering on the entrance, blistering on the rear, after which out of the blue you simply haven’t any grip from the tyre in any respect.”
Learn Additionally:
This comes after a optimistic begin to the 2025 season for Russell, who claimed three podiums throughout the opening 4 grands prix together with a runner-up end in Bahrain final weekend.
Commercial
“We have to perceive why Bahrain was so optimistic, as a result of that’s additionally an overheating monitor, however a really completely different sort of overheating to what you expertise right here in Jeddah,” he stated.
“We had greater hopes for the race at this time than we had for Bahrain, and it form of turned out the alternative.”
Extra reporting by Filip Cleeren and Mark Mann-Bryans
Photographs from Saudi Arabian GP – RaceOscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, George Russell, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Alexandra Saint Mleux
Alexandra Saint MleuxSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson, Racing BullsPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of SAMF with Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of SAMF with Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA PresidentZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Crew, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Crew
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Crew, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Jack Doohan, Alpine
Jack Doohan, AlpinePeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, WilliamsPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, FerrariPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Crew, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Crew
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Crew, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar, Racing BullsPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto, SauberLars Baron
Lars Baron
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Frederic Vasseur, Crew Principal, Ferrari
Frederic Vasseur, Crew Principal, FerrariColin McMaster
Colin McMaster
Mario Isola, Director of Pirelli
Mario Isola, Director of PirelliSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Flavio Briatore, Alpine
Flavio Briatore, AlpineSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Andy Cowell, Aston Martin Racing
Andy Cowell, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, FerrariSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLarenGiuseppe Cacace – AFP – Getty Photographs
Giuseppe Cacace – AFP – Getty Photographs
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLarenAlex Pantling – Method 1
Alex Pantling – Method 1
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLarenAlex Pantling – Method 1
Alex Pantling – Method 1
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLarenAlex Pantling – Method 1
Alex Pantling – Method 1
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLarenGabriel Bouys – AFP – Getty Photographs
Gabriel Bouys – AFP – Getty Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, George Russell, MercedesLars Baron
Lars Baron
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, George Russell, MercedesSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Lando Norris, McLaren, Carlos Sainz, Williams
Lando Norris, McLaren, Carlos Sainz, WilliamsSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, Williams
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, WilliamsSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, Jack Doohan, Alpine
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, Jack Doohan, AlpineZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, MercedesSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLaren
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Lando Norris, McLarenZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Crew, Alexander Albon, Williams
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Crew, Alexander Albon, WilliamsSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, FerrariSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, MercedesSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, WilliamsSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Gabriel Bortoleto, SauberSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, Williams, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, Williams, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Brown, McLaren
Zak Brown, McLarenSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenLars Baron
Lars Baron
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, FerrariLars Baron
Lars Baron
Zak Brown, McLaren
Zak Brown, McLarenPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Zak Brown, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Zak Brown, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, FerrariSam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingZak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingLars Baron
Lars Baron
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenLars Baron
Lars Baron
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingLars Baron
Lars Baron
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenLars Baron
Lars Baron
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenLars Baron
Lars Baron
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenLars Baron – Motorsport Photographs
Lars Baron – Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenPeter Fox – Getty Photographs
Peter Fox – Getty Photographs
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull RacingLars Baron – Motorsport Photographs
Lars Baron – Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Photographs
Zak Brown, McLaren
Zak Brown, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSteven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
To learn extra Motorsport.com articles .
