© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Toto Wolff explains what led to Max Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton at the United States Grand Prix, and looks ahead at the next race in Mexico.
Although he came very close, Lewis Hamilton didn’t manage to beat Max Verstappen at the United States Grand Prix. Toto Wolff explains why.
“They went for a super-aggressive first stop and that was bold,” said Mercedes’ team boss.
“We did that in Bahrain at the beginning of the year and we won and then they covered it the second time and we thought maybe that’s enough to get them – but yes, they deserved to win today.
“We were debating about the undercut [on the first pit stop], but Lap 10 or 11, whatever it was, was just very early, and we were too slow on the medium [tyre], and therefore we didn’t think that the hard would last.
In the final laps of the race Lewis did get within DRS range of Verstappen on several occassions, but the Dutchman had a late burst of speed when he got into DRS range of backmarker Mick Schumacher, which allowed him to keep the Briton at bay.
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“I think it was some interesting strategy gains and great racing but at the end we thought that we had a sniff at it, but it wasn’t enough – it was just the moment you get close to the other car it’s difficult.”
Formula 1 now moves to Mexico, which is traditionally a strong track for Red Bull. However, Wolff says this cannot be taken for granted.
“Mexico was traditionally a track that was difficult for us, but this season everything can change because we’ve seen [Red Bull perform well on] traditionally our strong ones… and vice versa.
“So I think it’s really race by race and [it’s important to] keep the spirits up. I think the morale is high. We are right there, we can win every race, and it’s about avoiding the DNFs. They are the killers.
“And therefore we are taking this [Valtteri Bottas’] grid penalty with the engines, but it’s just good fun for everybody and there is pressure – but it’s positive pressure,” concluded the Austrian.
