Mercedes Approaches Austrian GP with Caution Following Canadian Success
Spielberg, Austria – Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has tempered expectations despite the team’s recent success at the Canadian Grand Prix, where George Russell secured victory and Kimi Antonelli completed the podium. This marked a significant turnaround for Mercedes, which has faced challenges at the start of the season.
Wolff acknowledged the hard work put in by the Brackley and Brixworth teams, stating, "Victory and a double podium in Montreal were a reward for the hard work of everyone… We know that we cannot expect this level of performance each and every weekend." He emphasized that while advancements such as the revised rear suspension from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix showed promise, the unique demands of the Red Bull Ring make the upcoming race a challenge.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s configuration allowed the W16 to perform well, as its lack of high-speed corners benefited the car’s limited tyre stress. Wolff pointed out the contrasting characteristics of the Austrian circuit, noting, "Our rivals will likely be much more competitive in Austria."
Currently, McLaren sits at the top of the constructors’ standings, 175 points ahead of Mercedes, thanks in part to better tyre management—an area where Mercedes continues to struggle, particularly under high temperatures expected this weekend.
As Mercedes tests the efficacy of their new rear suspension geometry, Wolff acknowledged the potential implications: "This could well be the race that defines whether the upgrade is a success." If they can manage rear tyre temperatures effectively, it may mitigate the issues they experienced last season.
Wolff concluded, "Building on the momentum from Canada is our focus… The track in Spielberg will be a good test of our recent updates." Mercedes aims to maximize points and re-establish a competitive presence as the season progresses, with Russell’s recent success providing a morale boost for the team.
The Austrian Grand Prix is expected to be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Mercedes’ updates, with race-day conditions likely to characterize their performance trajectory.
