Hamilton says “not spectacular” Mercedes slower than expected in France

The German car manufacturer had come into the Paul Ricard weekend tipped as one of the contenders for a race win, with the ultra-smooth circuit supposedly perfectly suited to its W13.

But Hamilton and teammate George Russell could not get near the pace of the leading Ferrari and Red Bull cars, as they ended up fourth and fifth fastest in the second session.

With Russell seven tenths off pace-setting Carlos Sainz, and Hamilton a further two tenths back, the duo admitted that…