Lewis Hamilton set for difficult talks with Mercedes after Bahrain testing concerns

Lewis Hamilton could be set for difficult talks with Mercedes bosses as the Silver Arrows struggle in Bahrain. David Croft claims the seven-time champion will have a “lot of questions” for Mercedes bosses over fears the German manufacturer’s issues could become “long-term”.

He has teased the lack of pace in Sakhir could result in showdown talks between Hamilton’s management team and Mercedes chiefs ahead of the opening race. Croft said: “There will be a lot of questions and if you’re Lewis Hamilton and his team you have a great relationship with Mercedes.

“But you’re going to want that eight world championship and you’re going to want reassurances that what might have been a blip last year won’t turn into something more long-term and a car this year that is equally as problematic as the W13 was.”

Team boss Toto Wolff has assured Hamilton and George Russell that the team’s porpoising issues from last year have been solved. However, the eight times- Constructors’ Championship winners have failed to light up the leaderboard over two days in the desert.

lewis hamilton david croft f1

The team’s long runs have also been plagued by a series of issues with Hamiton forced onto the garage after sustaining floor damage on Friday morning. However, the team’s major issue came just 90 minutes before the end of the session as Russell stopped with a mechanical failure.

The problem has since been diagnosed as a hydraulics issue which prevented the team from enjoying the best conditions late on in the afternoon. The issue is clearly a concern for the squad who held an “unplanned” team meeting last night.

Earlier in the evening, Russell admitted Mercedes would not be in contention for a race win at the season-opening Grand Prix next weekend.

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lewis hamilton mercedes f1

The team’s long runs have also been plagued by a series of issues with Hamiton forced onto the garage after sustaining floor damage on Friday morning. But, the team’s major issue came just 90 minutes before the end of the session as Russell stopped with a mechanical failure.

The problem has since been diagnosed as a hydraulics issue which prevented the team from enjoying the best conditions late on in the afternoon. The issue is clearly a concern for the squad who held an “unplanned” team meeting last night.

Earlier in the evening, Russell admitted Mercedes would not be in contention for a race win at the season-opening Grand Prix next weekend.

david croft lewis hamilton