Mercedes' performance has been up and down since the introduction of new ground-effect regulations in F1 two years ago, and the 2024 season has exemplified this issue so far.
Hamilton branded his W15 "an amazing car" after the first two grands prix in 2024, before admitting to being "the least confident ever" in this machine following practice at the Australian Grand Prix. He then had his "best" feeling of the year on Friday in Japan and achieved second place in the Chinese sprint, but was subsequently knocked out in Q1 at the same circuit.
