Mercedes Cautious on Las Vegas GP Chances Despite Strong Performance
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed caution regarding the team's chances at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite their dominant 1-2 finish there last year and a strong performance in Brazil. Wolff stressed that Mercedes is "not taking anything for granted" in the battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship, highlighting the highly competitive nature of F1.
Despite a dominant 1-2 finish at last year's Las Vegas Grand Prix and a recent strong showing in Brazil, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains grounded about the team's prospects for the upcoming race. Wolff emphasizes that the team is "not taking anything for granted" as they aim to solidify their P2 position in the Constructors' Championship.
Why it matters:
Mercedes' performance in the remaining races will be crucial in securing second place in the Constructors' standings, a significant achievement given the competitive field. Their cautious optimism highlights the unpredictable nature of modern F1 and the constant battle for every point, especially against a resurgent McLaren.
The details:
- Recent Performance: Mercedes achieved their highest combined points haul of the season in Brazil, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli scoring 43 points across the Sprint and Grand Prix.
- Last Year's Las Vegas Success: George Russell led a 1-2 finish for Mercedes at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The circuit's characteristics – long straights, low-grip surface, and cool conditions – seemed to suit their car well.
- Driver's Perspective: Russell, while expecting the Silver Arrows to be strong in Nevada again, expressed caution, stating he would be "very surprised if we were as strong as last year."
- Wolff's Outlook: Toto Wolff echoes this sentiment, acknowledging that while recent performances have been strong, they don't guarantee securing the runner-up spot. He notes how quickly gaps can disappear, referencing the fluctuations seen in Austin and Mexico.
- Las Vegas Grand Prix Uniqueness: Wolff describes the Las Vegas weekend as "unlike anything else in F1," praising its iconic status and the high-speed layout that provides interesting challenges and great racing.
What's next:
Mercedes faces three weeks of intense racing to secure their position in the Constructors' Championship. While last year's success in Las Vegas has generated external expectations, the team is focused on a step-by-step approach. The competitive nature of the field means the battle for P2 will likely go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, and Mercedes is preparing for a tough fight.