‘That’s the beast we’re dealing with’ – George Russell mystified by Mercedes issues after recovery drive in Austin

From looking rapid in practice to a Q1 exit and then a crash for Russell and spin for Hamilton, Mercedes left Austin with a list of questions about how to harness their performance potential and iron out the problems they suffered in Texas.

With the paddock embarking on the second round of a triple header in Mexico in a just a few days, the Brackley outfit do not have time on their side when it comes to regrouping for the remaining races – but Russell said it was crucial they try to get a handle on the car.

WATCH: Hamilton brings out the Safety Car after spinning and beaching his car in the Austin gravel

“I’m looking forward to things being a little bit calmer or consistent because you just don’t know what you’re going to get every time you go out,” Russell said. “We’re all on this emotional rollercoaster.

“Clearly the car has the potential to be fighting right at the front, but when we are in that position we don’t really know why we are. When we’re not, we also don’t really know why we’re not. It’s just a real challenge to unpick it and understand it.”