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Wolf: Mercedes need to find missing "innovations" to close power gap to Ferrari

14:51, 03 Oct 2019

byMatt

Toto Wolff is asking his engine team to check for "missed innovations" in an attempt to close the power deficit to Ferrari. The Italian team are dominating front-line speed and the boss of the Silver Arrows admit the team have to look to strategy in order to beat Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.

For the majority of the season, Mercedes had it easy. But since the summer break, Ferrari have found some extra speed in order to win three consecutive races. Lewis Hamilton broke the streak in Russia but was significantly helped by Vettel's retirement.

In an interview with France's L'Equipe, Wolff explains what Mercedes need to do.

"Ferrari crushes everyone in a straight line right now. It's very difficult to make up that deficit on the rest of the circuit. It's a situation we need to overcome," Wolff said.

"We must look at every aspect of the engine. Are there innovations we have missed? I think this is undoubtedly the case. There is a certain gap that is almost impossible to catch up now, so we have to ensure we put a great chassis on the track, understand the tyres and choose the right race strategy. It is in these areas that our opportunities lie.

"But clearly, given the performance of their engine, we do not expect to dominate the next races."