Mercedes team boss Wolff: 'We missed 10mph on the straights'

"Both drivers were unhappy with the car. They had understeer everywhere, so they couldn't take the corners properly. The biggest obstacle is our pace. We missed 10 km/h on the straights. Without DRS, we are competitive. With it, we are not," said a somewhat frustrated Wolff for the German Sky branch's camera.

The W14 is a lot less competitive, especially in the qualifying runs. The long runs - with a full fuel tank - did not even look that bad, so Mercedes know where they need to focus in the third free practice.

Mick Schumacher, meanwhile, is still chasing a seat in Formula 1 for 2024. Mercedes is helping him do so, but it's not all that easy. Wolff: "It is difficult. Somehow, all the doors are closed everywhere. That's a shame because Mick deserves it. "But it's just unfortunate timing. There are no big changes in the market. With us in the simulator, he has been very good every time."

Schumacher does not seem to have much chance of getting a seat next year. Many teams have already finalised the line-up. Only Williams may still be an option if they decide not to continue with Logan Sargeant. At Alfa Romeo Racing/Sauber, Guanyu Zhou may have to leave the field, but in that case, the team will opt for its own F2 talent, Theo Pourchaire. AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer also recently indicated that there is no room for Schumacher at the moment.