Michael Schumacher is unhappy with his car's pace on the first day of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Schumacher struggled during the two free practice sessions, recording a best time over one and a half seconds slower than that set by Sebastien Vettel's pace-setting Red Bull.
Although Mercedes GP has introduced several new upgrades to its car this weekend – most notably a new floor – Schumacher was left disappointed that they had not met early predictions.
"If a car goes well, a lap goes well and, unfortunately, our car doesn't look to be very good here," he said, after finishing only 10th in this afternoon's session.
"The matter of fact is that we are certainly not up to the speed that we normally [are], at least on Fridays. So we'll find out if we find reasons for it or if it is a simple...character issue."
Although when asked to identify the specific nature of the problem, the seven-time World Champion could at least raise a smile.
"If I knew that I wouldn't have it," he joked. "I think what we have on-board is better than what we had at Silverstone but it maybe doesn't suit the track here."
Mercedes GP is hoping for a strong race at the Hungaroring after a disappointing home grand prix in Germany last weekend. Schumacher and teammate Nico Rosberg scored just six points after finishing ninth and eighth, respectively.