Wolff warns of tougher test ahead as Mercedes eyes Austria podium challenge

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has tempered expectations ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. After a successful campaign in Montreal where both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished on the podium – with the former finishing first – the Red Bull Ring could present a much more challenging weekend.

The Canadian Grand Prix was a moment of triumph for the Brackley outfit after a slower start to the season. And as their upgrades, a revised rear suspension introduced at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, begin to bear fruit, Wolff is remaining measured in his optimism.

“Victory and a double podium in Montreal were a reward for the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth,” he said. “Though we have made solid progress with our car in recent weeks, we know that we cannot expect this level of performance each and every weekend.”

While the layout and tarmac of Montreal benefited the W16 – a car that isn’t necessarily able to handle extreme temperatures through its tyres – the track this weekend preys on this very weakness.

“The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its absence of high-speed corners and a more closed tarmac that puts less stress on the tyres, suited the W16,” he explained. “The team executed well and took advantage of that, but we know that our rivals will likely be much more competitive in Austria this weekend.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images

McLaren, sitting at the top of the constructors’ standings 175 points clear of Mercedes, who recently overtook Ferrari to second, boasts much more efficient tyre management. They will likely be the favourites going into the weekend for this reason. But Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has a strong history at the team’s home venue, and the high-speed sections and elevation changes benefit the Milton Keynes machinery. 

With temperatures expected to be high, Mercedes may continue to struggle with rear graining. If they choose to retain the new rear suspension geometry, this could well be the race that defines whether the upgrade is a success. If the rear tyre temperatures can be controlled thanks to more equal load across the tyre surface, then maybe the weaknesses that were displayed last year can be minimised. 

“Building on the momentum from Canada is therefore our focus,” Wolff continued. “The track in Spielberg will be a good test of our recent updates and provide another reference point for our progress. There is still a long way to go this season.

“We will look to maximise our points scoring and hopefully be able to challenge for the podium once again.”

There’s no doubt that the results of the upcoming race will be pivotal in the development of the car. And with Russell still riding the high from Canada, everything is on the table.