Mercedes shocked everyone in the Las Vegas GP by bagging the first 1-2 podium finish since 2022. The weekend started on a great note as Lewis Hamilton set the quickest time in the first two practice sessions. Later in qualifying, George Russell was unstoppable as he bagged the pole position. The Briton was flawless during the Sunday race, bringing the silverware home. Meanwhile, his teammate, Hamilton, showcased his racing mastery. The seven-time world champion started from P10 but bagged the second spot on the podium.
This strong result came after a string of dismal performances. The Silver Arrows have struggled to yield a favorable outcome since the summer break. However, this victory has reignited the team’s confidence as Toto Wolff predicted an even better result in Qatar.
Toto Wolff Predicts Mercdes Domination At Qatar GP
Toto Wolff is optimistic about Mercedes’ prospects at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, believing the track’s characteristics could align well with the strengths of their 2024 Formula 1 car. The team is riding high after a dominant 1-2 finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where George Russell secured victory from pole, and Lewis Hamilton charged from 10th on the grid to finish second. This result marked Mercedes’ first 1-2 finish since the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix.
The W15 has shown its strongest performances in cooler conditions, with standout results earlier this year in Canada and Britain. While Qatar’s night race conditions might be similar, Wolff highlighted that the circuit’s high-speed layout should minimize tire warm-up challenges for all teams. The car’s track record at circuits featuring high-speed corners, such as Silverstone and Spa, encourages the team, making Qatar’s layout an opportunity to capitalize on its strengths. Despite the team’s success in Las Vegas, Wolff acknowledged that their competitors could pose a stronger challenge in Qatar. However, Mercedes remains focused on fine-tuning the W15 to remain competitive. With this momentum, they aim to close the season on a high note as the penultimate race approaches.
Mercedes’ success in Las Vegas also solidified their fourth-place position in the Constructors’ Championship. While this marks their lowest finish since 2012, the team’s recent performance underscores their ability to regroup and execute effectively. Wolff praised the team’s efforts, noting that Russell’s controlled drive and Hamilton’s remarkable recovery were testaments to their hard work and determination throughout the season’s second half.
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George Russell expressed optimism about Mercedes’ competitiveness at the Qatar Grand Prix, drawing confidence from the team’s strong showing in Las Vegas. Reflecting on last year’s race in Qatar, where he and Lewis Hamilton started second and third but collided at the first corner, Russell believes the smooth track surface at Losail could suit their car’s strengths again.
Russell highlighted that the W15 performs exceptionally well when set up correctly, describing it as “on rails” when operating within its ideal performance window. However, he acknowledged that the team has faced challenges on bumpier tracks, where they have had to adjust the car’s ride height and suspension settings. These adjustments push the car out of its optimal downforce range, leading to inconsistent results. By contrast, smoother tracks like Losail allow Mercedes to run the car low and stiff, unlocking its full potential.
