Too bad for Sainz, he really couldn't help being pushed out. And Leclerc...maybe the pressure and the expectations of Ferrari and the Italian fans were too big so that such a stupid mistake happened, especially since his teammate was no longer a support after the accident.
Regarding Mercedes, what obviously has a negative impact on performance is the departure of Ben Hodgkinson to Red Bull, who also took other competent engineers with him. That doesn't really explain the difference between Hamilton and Russel, but it's a good example of how money alone doesn't make a good engine.

'14 4/4 graphite grey