Wolff: Mercedes 'Not Taking Anything for Granted' in P2 Battle
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff emphasizes that the team is "not taking anything for granted" in the battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship, despite recent strong performances. Heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Wolff and driver George Russell both express caution, acknowledging the intense competition and the unique challenges of the low-grip Strip Circuit. The team remains focused on consistent execution through the final races, with Wolff expecting the fight for P2 to go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff states his team is "not taking anything for granted" in the Constructors' Championship battle for second place, despite recent gains. Heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the team is cautious, acknowledging the volatile nature of their rivals' performance.
Why it matters:
Mercedes' fight for P2 isn't just about championship points; it's a critical test of their current car development and strategic execution. Securing second place would validate their progress and provide crucial momentum heading into the 2025 season, while also offering a psychological edge over key rivals like Ferrari and McLaren.
The Details:
- Recent Momentum: Mercedes recently reclaimed second in the Constructors' Championship after a strong performance in Brazil, where George Russell and Lewis Hamilton collectively scored 43 points across the Sprint and Grand Prix.
- Russell's Caution: Despite leading a 1-2 finish in Las Vegas last year, Russell has expressed caution about repeating that dominance, stating he would be "very surprised if we were as strong as last year" on the low-grip, high-speed Strip Circuit.
- Wolff's Perspective: Wolff emphasized that recent form in Brazil should not lead to complacency. He highlighted how quickly gaps can disappear, as seen in Austin and Mexico.
- Intense Competition: "The field is incredibly competitive and it is going to be a battle right until the bitter end in Abu Dhabi," Wolff stated, underscoring the tight competition.
- Unique Vegas Challenge: Wolff described the Las Vegas weekend as "unlike anything else in F1," praising its iconic status and its ability to attract new fans. He noted the high-speed layout provides an "interesting challenge and great racing."
What's next:
Mercedes faces a demanding triple-header to conclude the season, starting with Las Vegas, followed by Qatar, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Their focus will remain on meticulous preparation and consistent execution, rather than relying on past performance or external expectations.
- The team's approach is described as "confident but cautious, determined but realistic," reflecting their awareness that the fight for second place will likely go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.