01/07/2025 17:15
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that the Silver
Arrows "deliberately experimented" with the set-up of the W16 in
the Austrian Grand Prix. As expected, the Brackley-based outfit
endured a poor weekend at the Red Bull Ring, due to the track
temperature having narrowly surpassed 50 degrees Celsius. The
scorching conditions were a recipe for disaster for Mercedes, who
have openly addressed the difficulties it faces in hot weather.
Kimi Antonelli's race came to an immediate end at the third corner
after a mistake saw him crash into Max Verstappen, whilst George
Russell secured a lonely fifth. The Briton was unable to replicate
his Canadian Grand Prix performance which saw him secure an
emphatic victory; however, the weather should be more to Mercedes'
liking in Silverstone. Current forecasts for the British Grand
Prix show temperatures around the low 20s, conditions which should
be significantly more favourable to the German outfit. Wolff is
pleased for an immediate chance to bounce back from Austria this
weekend, where he expects a stronger grand prix for the team.
"After a tough Grand Prix in Austria, it is good to get back racing
straight away," said Wolff. "We deliberately experimented on
set-up in Spielberg; it was a useful test and there are positive
learnings we can apply this weekend, but it ultimately didn't help
our performance. "Silverstone has typically been a strong circuit
for us. The cooler conditions should suit our car, and we are
hopeful of putting on a good performance in front of our teammates
and the passionate British fans, who always provide a great
atmosphere"
