Toto Wolff Says Mercedes Anyhow Need To Win This Year\’s Abu Dhabi GP To Forget Last Year\’s Mishap

Last Sunday in Brazil, Mercedes\’ season-long search for a win finally came to an end. Young George Russell fulfilled Mercedes\’s expectations by finishing first at Sau Paulo, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton was second. The win in the Brazilian Grand Prix finally gave Mercedes fans something to cheer about. At the same time, they started getting hopes high for the upcoming Abu Dhabi. But what does the team principal Toto Wolff say about it?

Toto Wolff Slims Down Mercedes\’ Chance Of Winning In Abu Dhabi

In Brazil, Mercedes made a strong comeback to the season by crossing the finish line first and second. Wolff wasn\’t present to share in the festivities with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff thinks it will be difficult for Mercedes to duplicate their race-winning effort from the Brazilian Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. The Yas Marina Circuit\’s position on the team\’s forecasting tool, which has a funny name, was highlighted by him. 

Following a difficult campaign spent attempting to comprehend their W13, Mercedes made a comeback to the top of the podium at Interlagos, with George Russell driving Lewis Hamilton home in a one-two finish. And continue the development necessary to cooperate with Ferrari and Red Bull.

Toto Wolff noted that after considering the outcome and where it puts Mercedes, he believes that having Mercedes back in the mix was crucial. Wolff stated that he believes Red Bull\’s whole package is the most competitive. Ferrari, in his opinion, has a car that is incredibly quick for a single lap and was also the fastest package on a number of weekends.

In evaluating the significance of the Sao Paulo triumph for Mercedes, Toto Wolff remarked that he tends to forget prior victories easily. However, this one was significant since it supported our development course. Furthermore, the engineers will benefit from seeing it moving in the direction Mercedes desires, which will boost the team\’s confidence.

Perez Lead Final Practice In Abu Dhabi, But Verstappen Secure Pole!

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix\’s last practice was won by Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez over Max Verstappen, who now faces a stewards probe for failing to slow down when a red light was on. Red Bull\’s continued advantage over their competitors at the Yas Marina Circuit as the constructors\’ champions was hardly a surprise. However, it was unanticipated for Perez to finish with a 1:24.982 and be 0.152 seconds faster than world champion Verstappen.

Additionally, the Mercedes combo of George Russell, who won Interlagos last Sunday, and Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time champion, continued their strong season-ending form by finishing third and fourth, respectively. Russell was four-tenths behind the pace, but Hamilton was barely two-tenths. However, the former was facing a trip to the stewards\’ office after being accused of failing to slow down when a red signal was raised.

However, the last qualifying session of 2022 saw once again saw Red Bull dominating the track with Max Verstappen securing the pole for Sunday\’s main race. The Dutchman was followed by his teammate Sergio Perez. He was 0.228 seconds quicker on his lap compared to Checo. Then followed the two Ferraris at third and fourth position, placing Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz, respectively. Another racing giant Mercedes secure the next two places. Lewis Hamilton was only fast enough to secure the fifth position, followed by his teammate George Russell at sixth.

Also Read “Mercedes Still Too Draggy”, Claims Toto Wolff! Doubts His Team’s Chances At Abu Dhabi Grand Prix