With three Grand Prix wins over the last four race weekends, Mercedes can make a credible claim for the title of “hottest Formula 1 team” at the moment. While McLaren has still outscored the Silver Arrows 129-115 over that period, Mercedes has been on an upward trajectory in recent weeks, and were it not for George Russell’s disqualification at the Belgian Grand Prix — which cost him what would have been his second win of the season and Mercedes a potential one-two finish — the Silver Arrows might have nipped McLaren in that category as well.
Can Mercedes start challenging for wins each week?
Toto Wolff’s squad has been red-hot in recent weeks, but will that continue after the F1 shutdown?
Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
However, the recent success has not convinced Mercedes Team Principal that the team is ready to fight for wins each week.
Yet.
In the team’s media preview of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff noted that while the team has made improvements in recent weeks, they are yet able to challenge for the top step of the podium consistently.
“We are ready to get back racing this weekend in Zandvoort. Ahead of the summer break, we built momentum with an improved car and stronger results. We will look to continue that progress into the final 10 races of the season. We know we have ground to make up. We are not yet able to compete for victories at every Grand Prix,” said Wolff.
Despite their recent success, Mercedes leaves the summer break sitting fourth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship. While they have closed the gap to third-place Ferrari — Mercedes trails the Scuderia by just 79 points, after facing a 156-point deficit following the Monaco Grand Prix — McLaren and first-place Red Bull are still off in the distance.
With continued improvements to the team’s challenger, Wolff believes they can narrow those gaps as well.
“We have made good steps in improving the W15’s weaknesses though and will continue to work hard to take more,” added the Mercedes boss. “If we can do so, then we will close the gap to those ahead in both championships.”
That climb begins this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, and as Wolff noted, the team is looking ahead to the challenges ahead. Both on the track in Zandvoort, as well as over the final ten race weekends of the 2024 F1 season.
“Zandvoort is a challenging track. With its banked corners, high-speed sections, and narrow layout, it has an old-school feel. The passionate Dutch fans always create a great atmosphere,” added Wolff.
“It is a good place to get back to work and we’re excited for the challenges ahead over the rest of the season.”
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