Toto Wolff (Mercedes): Signs of strong performance / Formula 1

Interim results after three GP weekends at Mercedes-Benz: Best place – fifth place for George Russell at the opening of the World Championship in Bahrain. The young Englishman is currently ranked seventh in the World Cup. Lewis Hamilton finished seventh in Bahrain and ninth in Saudi Arabia, then suffered an engine failure in Australia. Mercedes is currently only fourth among constructors, behind Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and McLaren, just ahead of Aston Martin.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff: “After a difficult weekend in Australia, it’s good to race again in Japan this weekend.” Since Melbourne we have focused on improving the stability of the W15. The car has consistently shown signs of good performance, but we struggled in the first three races to get it out at key times.”

«Suzuka, with its well-known fast corners that alternate with some slow tracks, as well as elevation changes, represents a completely different challenge than the tracks we have driven before. So it’s another great opportunity to build on our findings and analyze the work we’ve done since Australia.

“This season we are traveling to Japan at an earlier time than usual. Although this may not have a big impact, it will be important to understand the difference it will make to monitor the situation.

“One thing that won’t change is the incredible support from the Japanese fans. There’s always a fantastic atmosphere at Suzuka and I’m sure it will be the same again this weekend.”

Australien-GP, Albert Park Circuit

01. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, 1:20:26.843 h
02. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +2,366 sec
03. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +5.904
04. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +35,770
05. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +56,309
06. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1:33,222
07. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, +1:35,601
08. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +1:40.992*
09. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1:44.553
10. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
11. Alex Albon (T), Williams, +1
12. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, +1
13. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, +1
15. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, +1
16. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1
outside
George Russell (GB), Mercedes, accident
Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, engine failure
Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, Bremsdefekt

*20 second time penalty for braking in the fight with George Russell
Entry waived: Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams
(Alex Albon crash in free practice, no replacement chassis in Australia)

World Championship Standings (after 3 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 51 points
02. Leclerc 47
03. Perez 46
04. Sainz 40
05. Plate 28
06. Norris 27
07. Russell 18
08. Alonso 16
09. Walk 9
10. Hamilton 8
11. Tsunoda 6
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 97 Punkte
02. Ferrari 93
03. McLaren 55
04. Mercedes 26
05. Aston Martin 25
06. Running Bull 6
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0