Mercedes F1 achieves significant strides in 2024, as Wolff pinpoints solutions to past challenges.
Capitalising on the summer break, Toto Wolff has assessed the first half of the season for the team he directs, Mercedes F1. The Austrian detailed how the Brackley-based team managed to turn around a situation that initially appeared dire, culminating in a podium at the Shanghai Sprint.
“The start of the season was challenging. Our aim over the winter was to address the underlying issues hampering the W14. We achieved this, but then new problems emerged,” Wolff recounts.
“This also made the situation clearer. We had ticked many boxes of what we thought were the causes of our problems. So, there was not much left to do. The team worked hard to resolve these issues.”
“As we progressed, we realised what we were doing wrong. From there, we made considerable progress. We saw this in China. Lewis’s second place in the Sprint was a strong performance and a good indication of the W15’s potential. It was encouraging.”
“When we arrived in Europe, these signs continued to manifest. We observed a real correlation between the virtual world, the wind tunnel, the simulator, and the track. It was a feeling of relief but also of motivation. We knew what performance we needed to deliver on the track.”
“The pole position in Canada was no surprise.”
From Canada onwards, Mercedes showed strong form, securing a pole position in Canada, followed by podiums. Before the summer break, Mercedes had won three of the last four races.
“The factory worked tirelessly to achieve this as quickly and efficiently as possible. Therefore, the pole in Canada was not a surprise to us. We began to see many sessions that appeared positive, not just on Fridays when the track was green.”
“This has resulted in an improved situation. Three victories in the last four races attest to this. It is the result of hard work and the dedication of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.”
“The difference from the start of the season is that we now have a car capable of scoring solid points every week. We also have two top-level drivers who can make this happen.”
“Major events” and “ongoing support” from fans
However, Mercedes still has work to do to achieve its goals, but Wolff is also pleased with the off-track events for his team: “We still have work to do to be in the fight for victory every weekend. We’ve made good progress and we have a car that can perform at the front.”
“It’s hard to predict what will happen in the last ten races. The competition order among the top four is tight. That’s a good thing because it makes the sport incredibly exciting. We are going to do everything we can to fight for more victories and aim for the top three in both championships.”
“Off the track, we have organised major events with our partners since the start of the season. It’s very gratifying to be able to say this. What we did with WhatsApp in New York was breathtaking. Sailing on the AC37, the America’s Cup boat, in Barcelona, was also a fascinating experience.”
“We have been able to significantly step up our efforts in terms of activations, and I think we are the best in our class. Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing you cheer on the team for the rest of the season.”
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Wolff Details Key Breakthroughs for Mercedes F1 in 2024 Wolff Details Key Breakthroughs for Mercedes F1 in 2024
