Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is heading to Mexico City with a fighting spirit. His two drivers, George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, had a disappointing race weekend in Austin, but Wolff is determined to turn the tide for the Silver Arrows at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This is especially important as Ferrari and Red Bull are hot on the heels of the German team in the constructors’ championship. ‘It will be a battle until the checkered flag in Abu Dhabi,’ predicts Wolff.
A sixth place for George Russell and a thirteenth place for Andrea Kimi Antonelli was all that Mercedes could muster during the last GP United States. This is a stark contrast to the Grand Prix before that, when the same Russell triumphed on the streets of the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. Nevertheless, Mercedes is keeping its spirits up for the upcoming five races.
“With five races to go, only ten points separate second from fourth place in the constructors’ championship,” begins Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in the preview of the GP Mexico. “We had a poor result in Austin and our rivals have gained ground on us. However, we have the opportunity to bounce back this weekend in Mexico.” Lewis Hamilton last won for Mercedes in the Mexican capital in 2019.
‘Battle until the end of the season’
With such a small difference between the teams of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, Wolff predicts an exciting final phase for the 2025 season. “It will be a battle until the checkered flag in Abu Dhabi and we are looking forward to it,” continues the Austrian. “Mexico City presents a unique challenge. The high altitude puts a significant strain on the brakes and power unit, while the thin air requires a high downforce setup.” Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez presents a unique challenge due to its high altitude.
Like many other teams, Mercedes has also decided to place a rookie in the W16 during the first free practice at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As a result, Russell will be sidelined for an hour. “Our reserve driver Fred Vesti will be in the car for FP1 and will thus complete his second rookie session of this year. He will contribute to our program, as he does every time he is in the car. The field is strong, but we are hopeful for a strong performance, stronger than what we put down in Texas,” concludes Wolff with a fighting spirit.
