Formula 1’s triple-header, which brought the grid from Italy to Monaco and finally Barcelona, was not kind to Mercedes.
Mercedes F1 hoping to reset at the Canadian Grand Prix after ‘challenging’ triple-header
Toto Wolff and Mercedes are hoping to reset after a difficult three-race stretch
Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
They entered the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix sitting second in the F1 Constructors’ Championship standings, behind only McLaren, thanks to a strong start to the season from George Russell and a promising beginning to Kimi Antonelli’s F1 career. But the team banked only 18 points over the triple-header, as Antonelli was held without a point over the three races.
Now Mercedes is looking to reset after a “challenging” trio of races at this week’s Canadian Grand Prix.
“We’re eager to get back on track in Montreal after a challenging triple header,” said Team Principal Toto Wolff in the team’s media preview of the Canadian Grand Prix. “We showed an improved performance in Barcelona and that is something for us to build on. However, we know we need to be more consistent, and continue to make progress with the W16, if we are to rediscover some of our form from earlier in the season.”
Wolff also paid tribute to the host city, while noting the team’s success in Montreal a season ago. Russell took pole position, posting the exact same time as Max Verstappen in Q3. With Russell posting the time first, he secured pole position for the Grand Prix.
“We enjoyed a strong race here in 2024, and I hope we can repeat that level of performance this time round. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a great track with its mix of low-speed corners and long straights often creating an exciting race. Montreal is a superb host city for F1 too and the fans always create a brilliant atmosphere,” added Wolff.
This week also sees the return of F1 Academy, with Mercedes driver Doriane Pin aiming to climb to the top of the F1 Academy Drivers’ standings. Thanks in part to a win in the second race at the Chinese Grand Prix, Pin enters this race week second in the standings, just one point behind Maya Weug.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Doriane racing once again as F1 Academy returns to action,” added Wolff. “She has put in some strong performances so far this year and we will be supporting her as she looks to challenge for the lead of the championship in Canada.”
The Canadian Grand Prix kicks off Friday with two hours of practice before Saturday’s important qualifying session.
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