Mercedes can’t keep relying on others’ misfortune in F1

Following its eighth consecutive F1 constructors’ championship victory last year, Mercedes has struggled to compete at the very front of the pack so far this season under the revised technical regulations.

Russell and team-mate Lewis Hamilton’s efforts have been blighted by a continuing porpoising issue on the Mercedes W13 car, leaving them a step behind Ferrari and Red Bull for outright performance.

Despite the struggles, Russell has finished inside the top five at…