Mercedes explains W17 handling problems in Sao Paulo

Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord has explained the handling problems that affected Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Antonelli, who had won the world championship in Mexico, was early in the lead after Lando Norris made a slow start, but his W17 began to behave unpredictably after the switch to slick tyres on lap 18. He later spun into the run-off at Turn 1 and finished fifth, 41 seconds behind race winner Norris. Russell narrowly avoided a spin at the pit exit and recovered to fourth.

Lord said the team's investigation pointed to tyre temperatures rather than a mechanical fault. Cooler, damp conditions meant the tyres repeatedly dropped below their operating window, which produced an inconsistent level of grip. Lord said both drivers and others in the field believed something was broken with their cars.