Wolff: The small form of Mercedes is an “exercise in humility”
Well behind Ferrari and Red Bull in Jeddah, Mercedes is not in great shape. And for Toto Wolff, team principal of the team, this exercise in humility will make them stronger in the future.
The start of the season is always difficult for Mercedes. After securing a podium thanks to the retirement of both Red Bulls last weekend, the Jeddah Grand Prix was not the easiest. While George Russell managed to finish in fifth place, Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, finished in tenth place.
The team principal of Mercedes, Toto Wolff, admitted that the battle between Ferrari and Red Bull was a good thing for Formula 1, but that being currently excluded from it was difficult for the team.
« We were right in the middle of these funny games upfront, and as supporters of Formula 1, we enjoyed an excellent show. It was spectacular to watch,” revealed Toto Wolff. « But on the other hand, it’s extremely painful not to be a part of it, especially with such a significant time gap,” he added.
« We won’t rest until we are back in there. But you are absolutely right: it’s not funny at all. It’s a humbling exercise, and it will make us stronger in the end, even if it’s not funny right now. » the Austrian confessed.
For now, Mercedes is forty points behind its Italian rival in the constructor’s championship, and only one point behind Red Bull after the Bahrain fiasco.
« We don’t drive the car where we want to take it, continued Wolff. « However, it is very difficult to assess what the time difference would be if we could drive slower. I really hope that the difference is smaller compared to what you have seen. But there are deficits everywhere, lamented the team principal of Mercedes.
