Mercedes playing catch up but at least with a winning car

Mercedes-powered cars have won all of the last four races, with the works team securing three of those victories. Up until the Canadian Grand Prix, it had been a bleak season for the once-dominant F1 World Champions. They seemed doomed for a third disappointing year in a row.

Contrary to expectations, including their own, Mercedes is winning races again - regularly. Hamilton has two wins, and George Russell has one. It might have been the other way around, but Russell was denied victory due to a disqualification at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Nevertheless, this is all good news for Mercedes, who were lost for too long with the current set of Formula 1 rules. But they found the elusive magic switch in their package and turned it on.

They head to the forthcoming Dutch Grand Prix as favourites, although they will be deep in Max Verstappen territory at a venue where he has not lost since it returned to the Formula 1 calendar.

Previewing the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, Round 15 of 24 in this year's F1 World Championship, Mercedes boss Wolff said, "We are ready to get back racing this weekend in Zandvoort. Ahead of the summer break, we built momentum with an improved car and stronger results."

Wolff continued: "We will look to continue that progress into the final 10 races of the season. We know we have ground to make up. We are not yet able to compete for victories at every Grand Prix.

"We have made good steps in improving the W15's weaknesses though and will continue to work hard to take more. If we can do so, then we will close the gap to those ahead in both championships."

As for breaking Verstappen's stranglehold on the top step of the podium at his home venue, Wolff said, "Zandvoort is a challenging track. With its banked corners, high-speed sections, and narrow layout, it has an old-school feel. The passionate Dutch fans always create a great atmosphere.

"It is a good place to get back to work, and we're excited for the challenges ahead over the rest of the season," added Wolff in textbook PR speak.

The facts are that with Mercedes' current form and an apparent peak in the performance of the Red Bull RB20, it is not a given that Verstappen will make it four wins on Sunday.

Expect both Silver Arrows to be at the sharp end, as we have to assume that they now understand what makes the W15 tick and are on top of their woes as they head to Zandvoort for the fourth time this century.