F1 News
Wolff looks ahead to Qatar: 'We are enjoying the battle with Ferrari'
- Toby McLuskie
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is determined to get a good result at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Austrian knows that the race at Suzuka did not go smoothly for the team, but he sees plenty of opportunities to be competitive again at the Losail circuit. Despite track renovations and a modified weekend with a Sprint, Wolff thinks there are opportunities for his team.
Suzuka showed Mercedes weaknesses, confidence in Qatar
While Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were able to compete in full for victory in Singapore, their cars did not seem optimal for the Suzuka circuit. Toto Wolff agrees. He says: "We knew our pace in Japan wouldn't match what we had been able to show in Singapore. They are very different circuits and the characteristics of Suzuka highlighted the weaknesses of the W14. It was therefore important that we limited the damage to Ferrari in the Championship."
The constructors' championship behind Red Bull is still wide open. Mercedes is still battling Ferrari for second place in the championship. Wolff says he appreciates this battle: "With six races to go, we are relishing the fight and will be giving it our all to stay ahead, starting this weekend in Qatar."
Wolff: 'Quickly understand effect of track renovations'
Formula 1 last visited Qatar in 2021. There have been a number of changes to the circuit since then. The Mercedes team boss says it is important to understand the impact of the changes, especially with a sprint race coming up. "A key feature of FP1 therefore will be understanding the effect of the track resurfacing. As it is a Sprint weekend, we will have limited time to get on top of this and find a solid set-up for the rest of the event," Wolff explained. "It will be an interesting task and one we are excited for."