Mercedes hopes to start taking steps forward as soon as possible. Something they are already working on in the factory after the complicated start to the season they are experiencing. In this sense, Toto Wolff says that he is motivated for the first sprint weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Formula 1 has arrived in Shanghai after 2019. This weekend will be the first sprint format of the season, something that brings a little more difficulty. However, it is also the fifth race of the season in which the teams hope to start separating from each other and gain certain advantages.
A challenge that Mercedes has been looking for for months. The W15 doesn’t live up to the expectations that were initially placed on it, which is why the work at Brackley is focusing on finding solutions to the problems it causes. And it seems that they managed to make some progress in Japan, at least according to Wolff, who is motivated for the race in Shanghai.
“The results don’t show it, but in Japan we made great progress with our car. We look forward to continuing our progress this weekend,” said the Mercedes boss ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
“It will be an interesting weekend on the track with new cars, new tires and changes to the track since the last race in China, there will be a lot of unknowns,” added Wolff about the return of China to the calendar after several years of hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Austrian notes that this is the first racing sprint weekend in which there will be many challenges, but what is important is that all teams will have the right to change the settings on their cars, although a free practice session requires much more work to get to know the necessary data.
“This is also the first sprint weekend of the year, and that brings its own challenges. Changes in the format, including the second parc ferme, will mean an improvement in the pace of the weekend, and the only hour of free practice is still the pressure to make the right decisions with a lack of information, but we are looking forward to that test,” he assures.
On the other hand, the head of Mercedes notes that the return of the premier class of motorsport to China is very important, and he is convinced that with the presence of fans it will be a great event.
“The return to China is an important moment for sports. As the world’s largest automotive market and the world’s second largest economy, China is critical to the sport’s global presence.”
“The growth of Formula 1 in recent years has been positive, and China is a key market where this progress can be continued. We are looking forward to racing in Shanghai for the first time in five years and bringing Formula 1 back to the Chinese fans. With tickets sold out, I’m sure it will be a fantastic event,” added Toto Wolff.
