Toto Wolff feeling optimistic as he delivers Australian GP verdict

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By George Dagless

Published Apr 10, 2022

Toto Wolff has praised the togetherness and team spirit that Mercedes have shown, with them earning P3 and P4 in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 25: Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff leaves the paddock after the drivers and team principals met after practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 25, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Toto Wolff has praised the togetherness and team spirit that Mercedes have shown, with them earning P3 and P4 in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes cars have been off of the front-running pace so far this season but, crucially on a Sunday, they have been able to finish where others have not.

Indeed, in Melbourne the team benefitted from Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz failing to finish the race, and it left George Russell earning his first podium with the team, whilst Lewis Hamilton was just behind in fourth.

And, speaking post-race, Wolff explained how pleased he was with the team's hard work and togetherness to keep getting decent results even if they are off of the lead pace:

"We are leaving Melbourne in a better state than when we arrived - more lessons learned, more data to analyse and more points on the board.

"Clearly we haven't got the pace yet to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull, but we know where we need to seek performance. One factor that leaves me very optimistic for the future is the mindset and strength of the team.

"Everyone in the UK, in Stuttgart and in the travelling race team is pulling together every ounce of effort we have to tackle the performance gaps with determination and a deep hunger.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on April 10, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

"Seeing Lewis and George perform at an exceptionally high level today, with a tool that is clearly not on the pace of the leaders, is another example of the spirit of this team.

"We are optimistic yet realistic on the timeline for improvement and the advantage our competitors have, but P3 and P4 helps us leave Australia with a good feeling.

"Both drivers deserved the podium today, Lewis was unlucky with the timing of the Safety Car but the partnership between the two and how they work with one another epitomises the overall spirit of the team."