Wolff praises his drivers: 'Performed at an exceptionally high level'

Mercedes can leave Melbourne with a good feeling. It looked like the team would have to start the Australian Grand Prix with a big deficit again, but Mercedes delivered a handsome performance today. Toto Wolff is more than satisfied with Sunday's performance.

Mercedes has not yet found the same pace as Red Bull Racing and Ferrari, but with a P3 and P4 at the Albert Park circuit, the team can travel to Imola with a positive feeling. In Mercedes' press release, team boss Wolff praises Mercedes' strength.

"We leave Melbourne in a better condition than when we arrived. It is clear that we do not yet have the pace to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull, but we know where we can improve. One factor that makes me very optimistic for the future is the mentality and strength of the team. Everyone is doing everything possible to catch up."

'Performed at an exceptionally high level'

George Russell was lucky, as Max Verstappen 's retirement meant he finished third on the podium. Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed out on the podium, but like Wolff he too is happy with the team's performance. Despite Red Bull's stronger form, Mercedes is now on P2 in the constructors' championship.

"Lewis and George performed at an exceptionally high level today with a car that is clearly not on the pace of the leaders. We are optimistic, but also realistic about the lead that our competitors have, but we leave Australia with a good feeling. Both drivers deserved the podium today, but Lewis was unlucky with the timing of the safety car," said Wolff.