Toto Wolff Hopeful Of Further Progress In Austria

Despite seeing Lewis Hamilton finish over 30 seconds behind race-winner Max Verstappen, Toto Wolff is hopeful that a second race in as many weeks at the Red Bull Ring will present an opportunity for Mercedes to catch up with their considerably faster title rivals as the car is still dialled in from last time out.

‘Last weekend, we maximised the opportunities available to us and despite not having the quickest car, took a solid double podium and a good haul of points.
 
‘Every time we hit the track; we race to win. But, while we missed out on the top step of the podium last time out, there was still plenty to be encouraged by. Our drivers performed well, our pit stops were excellent, and our strategy calls were strong.
 
‘We head back to the Styrian mountains this weekend with another big challenge on our hands but running on the same circuit on consecutive weekends brings opportunity too.
 
‘We had an experimental Friday with the car set-up last weekend, and we hope to arrive to FP1 this weekend with the car in a happier place, ready to build from there.
 
‘The tyre compounds are also a step softer this weekend, so that will bring a new challenge for all the teams and fresh possibilities in terms of strategy.
 
‘This championship is a heavyweight contest over 23 rounds, and we’re just over a third of the way through. There are many opportunities to come and it’s still all to play for, so we’re excited for round nine.

Mercedes go into the ninth round of the 2021 FORMULA 1 season some 40 points behind Red Bull, while Hamilton trails Verstappen by 18 points in the drivers standings.