Toto Wolff commented on the Melbourne race in which Mercedes finished third with Russell and fourth with Antonelli.
A decidedly convincing and solid start to the season for Mercedes, who, despite a somewhat chaotic race, finished the Australian Grand Prix with a podium for George Russell and a fourth-place finish for Kimi Antonelli. Toto Wolff expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, as Mercedes, after the first race, holds the top spot in the Constructors’ Championship, tied with McLaren, with 27 points.
Here are Toto Wolff’s detailed statements: “The race was managed with precision, making the right decisions at the right moments to secure the first podium of the season. George delivered an impeccable race, pushing when necessary, managing the pace intelligently, and seizing every opportunity. A high-level performance that confirms his speed, maturity, and strategic ability.”
An incredible fourth-place finish for Antonelli, who managed to recover from 16th position. Wolff was quick to praise him: “For Kimi, making his debut in a Grand Prix couldn’t have been more challenging: starting from the back, extremely difficult conditions, and a tricky track in places. He faced every difficulty with surprising maturity for his young age. His pace in clean air was impressive, and his confidence in overtaking was remarkable. We know the season will present challenges, but we’re very pleased with the growth he’s shown. The fourth place was a well-deserved reward for his performance.”
And now it’s straight back to racing for the Chinese Grand Prix: “Now we head to Shanghai, excited to return to China after last year’s spectacular Grand Prix. The energy and passion of the fans were palpable when Formula 1 returned to the country after five years of absence. With China being the largest car market in the world and one of the leading global economies, the country’s role in the sport’s growth is crucial. We are sure that this year’s event will be extraordinary as well.”
