Toto Wolff smiled again in Melbourne, after George Russell’s podium and Lewis Hamilton’s fourth place. The Mercedes F1 director is pleased with the improvement of the situation after this race, despite a complicated weekend for the reigning world champion team.
“We are leaving Melbourne in a better position than when we arrived, with lessons learned, more data to analyze and more championship points.” explained Wolff.
“Obviously we don’t have the pace yet to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull, but we know where to look for the performance. One factor that makes me very optimistic for the future is the mentality and the strength of the team.”
“Everyone in the UK, in Stuttgart and on the race team on the circuits is committed to tackling performance gaps and showing a big appetite.”
Wolff praised his drivers’ performance in Melbourne as Russell scored his first podium for the team, and Hamilton helped the team score 27 units and maintain second place in the Constructors’ Championship. A position occupied by Russell among the pilots.
“To see Lewis and George perform at an exceptionally high level today, with a tool that is clearly out of step with the leaders, is another example of the spirit of this team.”
“We are optimistic but realistic about the timing of developments and the advantage of our competitors. However, finishing in third and fourth place will help us leave Australia with a good feeling.”
“Both drivers deserved the podium today. Lewis was unlucky with the timing of the safety car, but the collaboration between the two and the way they work together embodies the overall spirit of the team.”
Shovlin admits Ferrari and Leclerc are ‘in another world’
Andrew Shovlin, the team’s technical director, praised Russell for his strong performance and noted that Mercedes F1 has room for improvement. He recognizes the need to do better for his team.
“Bravo to George on his first podium with Mercedes F1, he is working hard to help us improve the car and while we don’t have the pace he was hoping for at the moment, the podium is a reward for his efforts .” said Shovlin.
“Lewis lost a lot with the timing of the safety car, he had put pressure on Sergio Pérez in his first stint and we got out of our pit stop ahead of him. But in the end we didn’t have the speed to challenge them, although our relegation is likely a little better.”
However, Shovlin admits that Mercedes F1 is way behind the competition, especially an impressive Charles Leclerc: “At this stage of the championship we are focused on just two things, damage control and learning.”
“It was a successful weekend in both cases, but we know we have a lot to do. Charles Leclerc was in a different world today, so it’s probably still a long way for us, but we won’t miss any opportunities to tenth our find a car.”
