Mercedes endured a painful weekend in Brazil earlier this month. Coming off from podium finishes in Austria and Mexico, the Silver Arrows were hopeful of a potential maiden win of the season at Interlagos. However, the infusion of sprint race led to a setup miscue, which eventually resulted in an utter disaster.
Now, with only two rounds left in the season, Mercedes is staring at a winless season, which would be an atypical event in the team’s recent history. Moreover, team principal Toto Wolff’s recent comments ahead of the penultimate Las Vegas Grand Prix will kill the remaining hopes left in the hearts of the fans.
Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Voices Concerns Ahead Of Maiden Las Vegas GP!
This week, the Formula One caravan has traveled all the way to the United States’ sin city, Las Vegas. Vegas track will be making an F1 debut, and preparations for the grand event are in full swing. It’s expected to be a starry and glamorous affair. However, for F1 teams, heading into an unknown territory is nothing short of a nightmare. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff echoed the same sentiment in his recent interview with RacingNews365. The Silver Arrows’ spirits are already down after a horror show in Brazil wherein George Russell suffered a DNF, and Lewis Hamilton barely finished into points. Now, the uncertainties of the Las Vegas Grand Prix are only adding to the team’s woes, says Wolff.
When asked about Mercedes’ chances of a podium finish in Las Vegas, Toto Wolff bluntly said that he is not expecting anything at the moment. He does not know how the track will behave and if it will suit the W14. Due to the uncertainties, the Brackley-based teams have decided not to rely on simulation data and wait for the practice sessions. However, Toto was all in favor of the Vegas GP. He says the governing body’s tiresome efforts will put on a tremendous show for the audience, which is beneficial for the sport in general. But as a team fighting to defend P2 in constructors championships, it would be an unsatisfactory experience. “Now we’re going to a track that we haven’t been in even, so I don’t know,” said Toto Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton Gearing Up For “Wild” Experience At Las Vegas!
While Toto Wolff is concerned about W14’s performance, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to having a wild time in Las Vegas. Speaking to a media outlet, the Briton said he finds it hard to comprehend how the logistics people will move things around as Vegas is such a compact place. However, at the same time, the city is vibrant, with fans coming around from all parts of the United States.
That’s an exhilarating part for Lewis Hamilton, who sees Las Vegas GP as a “wild” experience. Having said that, like Toto, Hamilton is also heading into the race weekend with an open mind. He expects nothing and just wants to enjoy his time driving under the lights as he believes the light will give it a cool casino feeling. Let’s hope Mercedes revives from the Brazil GP to an extent in Las Vegas.