Wolff: No step change in performance in Barcelona

Jad Mallak 1 June, 2023 1 min read

Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, admitted the team does not expect to a have a step in performance in this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, following the debut of their upgraded W14 in Monaco.

Mercedes finally gave up on their slim sidepod concept and debuted a heavily revised W14 in Monaco, something they were initially planning for the cancelled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Monaco was the not the ideal track to gauge the performance of an upgraded Formula 1 car, but Lewis Hamilton and George Russell did well to bring it home fourth and fifth respectively in a race with mixed conditions, bagging another healthy points haul for the eight-time F1 Constructors’ Champions who are now third, just one point behind Aston Martin.

Looking back on Monaco, Wolff said: “It’s always a challenge when rain falls midway through a race and the Team handled it well in Monaco.

“We made the right calls and scored some solid points. It is impossible to evaluate our upgrades on a circuit like Monaco, but at least we didn’t have any nasty surprises,” he maintained.

Mercedes to establish new baseline for W14 in Barcelona

“We now move on to Barcelona,” Wolff added in Mercedes‘ preview of the Spanish Grand Prix. “Spain will provide an opportunity for us to establish a new baseline with the W14. It is a track that we are familiar with, although the removal of the final chicane will make it a much quicker lap.

“It comprises a wide range of corner types; that provides a good opportunity for us to learn about the new package. We don’t expect to see a step change in performance, but we’re hopeful it will provide a more stable platform,” he explained.

Wolff also touched on Mick Schumacher’s track debut with Mercedes in the post race Pirelli tyre test, he said: “After the Grand Prix weekend, Mick will also get his first real-world taste of the W14 on the second day of the Pirelli tyre test.

“He has done a great job with the Team so far, working hard back in the simulator and giving valuable input trackside. We’re looking forward to him getting his first taste of on-track running this year, and sure it will help him in his role as Reserve Driver,” the Austrian concluded.