Toto Wolff not very complimentary about the W13

Sawtooth. That’s how we could summarize Mercedes’ 2022 season. Upon its arrival during the pre-season tests, this car caught attention for its nearly non-existent sidepods, and many observers had high hopes for it.

But, from the first races, they changed their minds. There was indeed Lewis Hamilton’s podium, but in the following races, remarkable performances were scarce. Only George Russell managed to achieve top 5 finishes. Recently, the car has experienced notable improvements, with a pole position in Hungary leading the way. However, the blow received during the qualifying session in Spa dashed many hopes.

“It’s very difficult to manage these fluctuations. Our performance [in qualifying] was totally mediocre, we fought and lost against the Alpines, [Alex] Albon was very impressive, Valtteri would have been there and Norris probably too [without their penalties]. And then in the race, we were sometimes three seconds faster per lap. So there are big question marks about what is happening,” explains Toto Wolff.

A Mercedes in the basement.

Contrary to previous years where the star brand swept everything, this 2022 season is more complicated. Indeed, with no victories so far, German dominance is no longer present. However, the team director is not giving up on a potential success this year. Even if it were to happen, the Austrian knows the fate of this W13.

I mean, we are in a situation where the championship will probably be held in Europe and this car won’t be… I don’t think it will be very well placed in the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart. Maybe it will end up in the basement.

Hopes are already turned towards 2023, while waiting for a rebound from the German team.