Mercedes Team Principal’s words ahead of the Austin Grand Prix, many topics touched on by Toto Wolff.
After a month’s break, Formula 1 is back in the spotlight with the Austin Grand Prix, the first of three consecutive stages that will also see the Circus travel to Mexico and Brazil. Among the leading stables is Mercedes, which has been somewhat muted in recent races, and Toto Wolff spoke to Motorsport microphones about this.
The Team Principal of the German stable took stock of the situation: “This weekend represents the beginning of a busy run toward the end of the year. We have six races in the next eight weeks, ending with the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Although we are not in contention for the championship, there is still much to fight for and there are opportunities to do well along the way. We want to build momentum for 2025 and bid farewell to Lewis in the best way possible.”
Toto Wolff then went on to address the chapter of the last few races: “Therefore, since Singapore we have been working hard to analyze our performance and figure out how to improve. We will bring our last upgrade package of the season to Texas, and our goal is to close the gap with the leaders. In addition, we will provide useful information that will help guide our development direction for 2025.”
On the Sprint Race scheduled for this weekend, he stated: “The Sprint format returns this weekend and we will have to be at our best to introduce the upgrade package effectively. The Circuit of the Americas is a great track, but one that we had a hard time with last year. Its high-speed physiognomy, combined with the bumpy surface, makes it a challenge for both car and driver. It is a track we are looking forward to.“.
Mercedes’ 2025, Antonelli in Hamilton’s place
From the present to the future, it all comes down to Lewis Hamilton and his landing in Ferrari: “Many say it will be very difficult. With Lewis even the most difficult challenges seem easy. Ferrari is a great team where there is pressure but also great people who work with so much passion. I think they will find a way to get along.”
From Lewis Hamilton to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, so Toto Wolff: “With Lewis we had 12 wonderful years, he will always be part of the family,” Wolff explained, “But from next year he will be a rival we will try to beat. Antonelli will join Russell, bringing with him a burst of youth and freshness. You can feel the smile in the team when you have an 18-year-old on board a car. Of course, there will be times when Lewis’ experience would benefit the team. Kimi will have a steep learning curve, but it was absolutely the right thing to do for the team.”
Photo: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team