Motor racing-Double DNF in Australia is brutal for Mercedes, Wolff says

Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 24, 2024 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action before retiring out of the race due to engine failure Pool via REUTERS/Scott Barbour

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - With Lewis Hamilton retiring early and George Russell crashing out late, Mercedes suffered their first double 'Did Not Finish' at a Formula One race in over five years at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, piling on yet more early season gloom.

Seven-times world champion Hamilton lasted 15 laps at Albert Park before rolling to halt with a power unit failure, while Russell took a skid into gravel at turn six before smashing into a barrier at the end of the race.