© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Many people agree that Red Bull has the fastest car so far in 2021, yet Mercedes managed to win three out of the first four races. How did it happen?
During pre-season testing it became obvious that Red Bull was holding an advantage over Mercedes. However, when the flag dropped in Bahrain, it was Mercedes Lewis Hamilton that climbed the top step of the podium.
At the Monaco Grand Prix Thursday press conference Toto Wolff was asked if he would have believed Mercedes would win three out of the first four races, had someone had told him that during winter testing.
No, probably not,” said the Austrian.
“We were lacking pace in Bahrain and then somehow we were just clinging on with our fingertips in Bahrain with the right strategy and then Max running off the track.
“But obviously that could have been his race. And then it just continued. So we need to take that, and I’m very happy about that.”
Wolff was then asked how Mercedes managed to make so much progress since pre-season testing.
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“I think it’s just churning away. Looking at the data, trying to analyse. We have a completely new tyre that everybody needs to get on top of it.
“We needed to tune our car differently than in the past years but certainly the kind of gaps and advantages we had last year has vanished but that’s also good.
“I think we’re enjoying the ride.”
Considering the Monaco circuit is thought to play to Red Bull’s strengths, the Austrian was asked if he believed they would present the biggest challenge of the season this Sunday.
“I wouldn’t discount any other teams,” Wolff said.
“We’ve seen the Ferraris have been pretty strong. Carlos was always there, right up, and Charles didn’t even run so the Ferraris have been very strong.
“Red Bull definitely, that has been their track, they have a lot of downforce, so we expect them too – but the McLarens have always come when it matters in qualifying.
“So yeah, everything can do well here,” concluded Mercedes’ team boss.
