The Brackley outfit have struggled massively with 2022’s aerodynamic rule changes, with Hamilton and Russell occasionally unable to go full-throttle on the straights as their car bounces around.

Team boss Wolff made a rare radio appearance to apologise to 13th-placed Hamilton, taking responsibility for the W13 car’s struggles.

He said: “Lewis, hi, sorry for what you have needed to drive today. 

“I know that this is undrivable and not what we deserve to score as a result so we move from there but this was a terrible race.”

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“No worries Toto, let’s keep working hard,” Hamilton replied.

Wolff agreed: “Yeah, we will come out of this.”

Speaking to Sky Sports post race, Wolff put Hamilton’s result down to track position, while agreeing with his driver that they’re not in the running for a championship.

Asked about Hamilton’s race, Wolff said: “Really bad, he got squeezed by the Alpine, the other two cars undercut and then there is just no overtaking when you are in a DRS [drag reduction system] train. 

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“We saw with George where the car can drive if you’re in free air but we are not good enough for a world champion, not worthy for a world champion and we just need to fix the car.

“We’re going to look at things for Miami, I think we can make a step in the understanding of the car and it’s another day, we just need to really understand, creep up, bring development onto the car which will fix the bouncing.”

Russell agreed with Wolff that the only difference between his and Hamilton’s performances was a bit of luck in finding free space on the track.

When it was put to Russell if he’s able to get more out of the Mercedes than his countryman, he replied: “I don’t think I can to be honest, It’s just how things have fell this weekend. 

“I think we’re both really struggling in certain conditions and when the car is far from optimal it is damage limitation and then we’re very close together on the grid on Saturday, and I made a really good start, right place, right time, and ultimately that was the difference today.”

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Hamilton spent 2021 in a title bout for the ages with Verstappen, which is now a distant memory thanks to the Red Bull’s pace advantage this season.

And when Verstappen was questioned about lapping Hamilton, his answer showed just how much things have changed.

The Dutchman said: “They have been slow all year so for me it’s not anything exciting, it just happens.”