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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed optimism about the team's prospects following a solid performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, where the Silver Arrows emerged as the “clearly second fastest team” on race day.
After securing a double points finish in Australia, where George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli finished third and fourth respectively, Mercedes continued their impressive form in Shanghai. The team collected seven points in the Sprint on Saturday and followed it up with a remarkable result on Sunday.
Russell delivered another stellar performance, finishing third and securing his second podium in three races. Antonelli, who initially crossed the line in eighth, was promoted to sixth place following the disqualifications of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton due to technical infringements.
Gap to McLaren Narrowing
Russell’s podium was further validation for Mercedes, with the Brit finishing less than two seconds behind Lando Norris in P2. Wolff was particularly encouraged by the narrowing gap between Mercedes and McLaren, noting that the deficit in China was significantly smaller compared to the margin witnessed in Melbourne.
“I wouldn’t say we are in the hunt now – when you look at Piastri being in front, it is easier on the tyres and you can manage it,” Wolff said. “But we are not far away, maybe the gap is a couple of tenths rather than the second it was in Melbourne.
“We are clearly the second fastest team today and that’s another solid result. George’s driving was a 10 out of 10, and I rarely give 10 out of 10 but he just extracted the maximum that was there today. And in so far, there are reasons to be excited for what the future brings.”
Mercedes’ Strongest Start Since 2022
Mercedes currently sits in second place in the Constructors’ Championship, marking their best start to a season since the introduction of ground effect technical regulations in 2022. When asked if the team is finally getting a grip on the new era of regulations, Wolff acknowledged the progress but stressed that the team is not yet where they want to be.
“Yes, the platform is stabler. When we turn a screw on some sort of mechanical device, a wing – it does what we expected,” Wolff explained. “We also have to be realistic that it is not where we want it to be.
“We will be happy when we start winning races and fighting for championships, but there is no sense of entitlement – you have to work your way to that and this is the exciting journey that lies ahead.”
Importance of Mastering Tyre Management
Wolff also highlighted the significance of tyre management, emphasizing that understanding and optimizing tyre performance will be key in the title race.
“I think we see that the fronts are a little bit sensitive and you need to handle them with care – that’s a bit different but it is the same for everyone.
“The C2, the hard tyre, was rock solid and robust, a racing tyre that could do three quarters of the race. So we are learning race by race, test by test, and the ones who are going to have the fastest learning rate on how to exploit the tyres are going to come out the winner.”
Antonelli’s Impressive Maturity Despite Early Setback
Kimi Antonelli once again showcased his potential by securing P6 despite suffering floor damage on the opening lap. The young Italian’s pace was compromised by the damage, which resulted in massive holes in the floor and the loss of titanium strips. However, Antonelli remained composed and fought through the race, earning the Driver of the Day accolade.
“He got extensive floor damage, we don’t know why – maybe he ran over Charles' endplate, but he had like massive holes in the floor and titanium strips that were gone,” said Wolff.
“So, considering he had a car that was severely impaired, finishing eighth [later promoted to sixth], holding on to it, not complaining and just getting on with the job shows the potential and the maturity the young man has.
“And obviously, Driver of the Day, so you can see where the fan demographic is, which is something important in Formula 1 we need to remind ourselves.”
Positive Signs for Mercedes Moving Forward
With consistent podium finishes and encouraging performances from both drivers, Mercedes appears to be on the right trajectory. Wolff remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that while the team is not yet where they aspire to be, the steady improvement suggests that Mercedes is inching closer to returning to the front of the grid.
