For Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Italian race weekend was primarily one for learning. With only six points earned, the Grand Prix was the worst of the year for the Silver Arrows, and the team boss is keen to avoid a repeat. In Monaco, Mercedes has the opportunity to immediately redeem itself. According to Wolff, his team has a good chance of doing so, as the W16 is strong in qualifications.
Mercedes could only take home six points after the GP Emilia-Romagna. George Russell finished outside the top five for the first time this season, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli failed to cross the finish line due to mechanical problems during his home race. The result is the worst Grand Prix weekend of the season for the Silver Arrows. Fortunately, the team already has the opportunity to redeem itself in Monaco.
“After a tough race in Italy, we have the chance to bounce back immediately in Monaco,” team boss Toto Wolff also says in the preview. “We will work hard, quickly and efficiently, to understand what caused our limitations in Imola. It’s important that we overcome this, so we can prevent a repeat in the future.”
Monaco
The focus now shifts entirely to Monaco, the most iconic circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar. The most thrilling qualification of the year is scheduled for Saturday. “We know that Monaco presents a completely different challenge,” Wolff continues. “Qualification is absolutely essential, and that has been a strong point for us this year. That’s encouraging, but it means nothing if we can’t perform on the track. We’ve seen how competitive Saturdays have been this year, and it’s always more intense in Monaco.”
During the qualification of the GP Emilia-Romagna, the entire top four finished within less than three-tenths of each other. On the narrow street circuit of Monte Carlo, overtaking is nearly impossible, making a good qualification result crucial. “We will have to be at our best to give ourselves a chance to fight for a good result on Sunday,” concludes the Austrian. “The mandatory two pit stops in the Grand Prix will also add an extra dimension to the race. We are excited about the challenge and look forward to getting back on the track.”
