F1 news LIVE: Title already ‘out of reach’ for Lewis Hamilton as Red Bull criticised for ‘cheap shot’

LIVE – Updated at 11:58

Mercedes have been told that the car problems they have suffered early in this F1 season mean the title is already out of reach for their drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton has struggled badly in the opening four races of the season, facing significant difficulties with the new Mercedes W13 car and declaring that there was “no question” that his title hopes are over after Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, Red Bull have been criticised for taking a “cheap shot” at the lacklustre early-season performances of their rivals as Formula 1 begins to gear up for the first edition of the Miami Grand Prix.

Helmut Marko, a long-time adviser at Red Bull and head of the team’s driver development program, joked after the race in Imola that Hamilton shoud retire after being lapped by winner Max Verstappen. Marko’s comments have been criticised by former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, who labelled the remark a “cheap shot” and said that Red Bull would still want Hamilton as one of their drivers even after a below-par start to the season.

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Mercedes believe that George Russell would have finished on the podium at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix were it not for a set-up error.

Russell produced an impressive showing to overcome performance issues and hold off former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas for fourth place.

Rain had been expected to arrive at some point during Sunday’s race after several earlier showers, but never arrived and the race was contested entirely on a drying track.

Mercedes reveal problem that cost George Russell at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Mercedes are set to make upgrades to George Russell and