Mercedes workforce boss Toto Wolff conceded that his outfit didn’t have the outright pace for victory, however he took delight within the Brackley-based squad’s skill of capitalizing on the unexpected opportunity.
Mercedes has been locked in a struggle with Ferrari for almost all of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend with George Russell rising because the quickest of the quartet.
The two groups had been unable to maintain up with the main duo of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris within the opening phases of the race, however Russell was on course to take P3 within the race. However, with the main duo got here collectively on Lap 64 which enabled the Mercedes man to take over the lead and safe his second profession victory.
Mercedes workforce boss Toto Wolff praised his workforce for the efforts that have made in latest weeks which allowed the Brackley-based workforce to shut in on the field-leading Red Bull.
“It is a good feeling to get again on to the highest step of the rostrum. It is a unbelievable reward for the onerous work and efforts of everybody at Brackley and Brixworth. We have taken good steps ahead in latest races, and we’re enthusiastic about what remains to be to return.
“We knew our outright tempo at present wouldn’t fairly be sufficient to problem for victory. We due to this fact made certain we maximised our race and had been in a position to choose up the items, ought to something occur. We loved some luck however that is motor racing.
What. A. Day. Bring on Silverstone 👊 pic.twitter.com/IuRyELzQvT
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 30, 2024
Speaking of his drivers, Wolff was buoyed by the efficiency of George Russell whereas he additionally revealed that Lewis Hamilton picked up in depth harm to the ground and the sidepod of his automotive.
“George did a unbelievable job all through the race to maintain himself inside touching distance of the entrance two. It was a 3rd place on tempo, and we’d have been happy with that because it highlights the progress we proceed to make.
“We did assume there might be an opportunity for extra although with the battle forward and we had been in a position to benefit from that. Lewis, in the meantime, was unlucky at present. Firstly, that he needed to give the place again to the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and secondly, as he picked up flooring harm which prompted him a lack of efficiency. Nevertheless, he fought onerous and drove a powerful race to take a useful P4.
“We now look forward to Silverstone next week. We are encouraged by our overall performance this weekend at a track that has not normally been a favourite for our cars. Our aim over the next few races is to continue to show progress and aim to get closer to the front,” concluded Wolff.
