Toto Wolff Warns Mercedes Against Complacency After Securing P2 in Constructors'
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has cautioned his squad against complacency despite securing second place in the Constructors' Championship after a strong showing in Brazil and Ferrari's double DNF. With a 32-point lead over Red Bull and three races remaining, Wolff emphasized the volatility of F1, urging the team to stay grounded and consolidate their position to achieve their minimum goal of P2.
Toto Wolff has delivered a stern warning to Mercedes: do not get complacent despite climbing to second in the Constructors' Championship. The Silver Arrows capitalized on a disastrous weekend for Ferrari in Brazil, but Wolff insists the team must remain focused with three races remaining.
Why it matters:
Mercedes' surge to second place over Red Bull, with a 32-point lead, is a significant turnaround after a challenging season. However, Wolff's cautionary tone highlights the volatile nature of Formula 1. Maintaining this position is crucial for team morale, financial bonuses, and demonstrating progress ahead of the next season, even with McLaren having already clinched the title.
The details:
- Mercedes secured second and fourth place finishes in Brazil with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, respectively. This strong performance was key to their jump in the standings.
- Ferrari's Setback: Their direct rivals, Ferrari, suffered a double DNF (Did Not Finish) in São Paulo, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failing to finish the race. This non-scoring race significantly aided Mercedes.
- Points Swing: Wolff emphasized the rapid shifts in championship points, citing Ferrari's weekend as a prime example of how quickly fortunes can change.
- “You have a weekend where you have a double DNF like [Ferrari] had and the other teams scoring strong enough points,” Wolff told media, including RacingNews365. “The 30-point swing, you can have it in the other direction too in any of the three races.”
- Remaining Races: With three rounds left, Mercedes holds a 32-point advantage over Red Bull, who now sit third. Securing the runner-up spot is now the team's primary objective.
What's next:
Mercedes' focus is now squarely on consolidating their lead and ensuring they finish second in the Constructors' Championship. George Russell echoed this sentiment, stating that finishing P2 is the "minimum goal" for the team.
- The team will aim to avoid any major incidents or reliability issues that could lead to a significant points swing in the final races.
- Wolff's directive to "keep both feet on the ground" suggests a disciplined approach will be taken to navigate the remaining calendar and fend off any potential challenge from Red Bull.