The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was a difficult weekend for Mercedes.
Toto Wolff hoping Mercedes can bounce back at the Monaco Grand Prix
After a disappointing Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Mercedes and Toto Wolff are hoping for a better week in Monte Carlo
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
Young phenom Kimi Antonelli began the week by hosting his classmates in the paddock, giving his fellow students a look at what the 18-year-old does on the Formula 1 grid. But the week ended with Antonelli retiring from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as his W16 suffered a loss of throttle control on Lap 46.
Things were little better for George Russell. While he started third after a strong qualifying performance, that qualifying performance left Russell with just a used set of medium tires, the preferred compound at Imola. When those tires began overheating early in the race, Russell was forced to pit on Lap 11, forcing him into a two-stop strategy.
He took the checkered flag in P11.
Now the team is hoping to bounce back with a strong performance in the Monaco Grand Prix.
“After a tough race in Italy, we have the opportunity to bounce back immediately in Monaco,” said Toto Wolff in the team’s media preview. “We will work hard, quickly and efficiently, to understand what caused our limitations in Imola. It is important we get on top of that so we can avoid any repeat performances in the future.”
Wolff stressed the importance of qualifying in Monaco, noting that Saturdays have been a strength of Mercedes this season.
”We know that Monaco is a very different challenge, however. Qualifying is absolutely vital and that has been a strength of ours this year,” added Wolff. “That is encouraging but doesn’t mean anything unless we can do the job on track. We have seen how competitive Saturdays have been this year and that’s always more intense in Monaco.”
The Mercedes boss also noted that the mandatory two-stop rule adds “another dimension” to this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.
”We will have to be at our best to give ourselves the opportunity to fight for a good result on Sunday. The mandatory two-stop in the Grand Prix will also add another dimension to the race,” concluded Wolff.
“We’re excited for the challenge and looking forward to getting back on track.”
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