Wolff Identifies 'Biggest Problem' For Mercedes Drivers

Thursday, 12 October 2023 at 09:30

Updated at Saturday, 18 November 2023 at 21:46

In his most recent interview, Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff identified the biggest problem for Mercedes driver duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Mercedes team has not yet been able to win a race during 17 races of the 2023 Formula One season. The team has achieved six podiums and is currently standing second in the Constructors' Championship with more than two times fewer points than leading Red Bull.

It has been a trend for Mercedes drivers to complain about multiple issues regarding their cars. One of the main problems identified by Lewis Hamilton has been the sitting position. The seven-time World Champion has complained about sitting too forward.

The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, has acknowledged these complaints in his most recent interview for La Gazzetta dello Sport. In regards to building a better and faster car for the next season, Wolff said:

"We have to get back to basics. I don’t want to hear Lewis say anymore, ‘My cockpit is too far forward.’ We know what we understand and will not pay attention to what we do not understand. The biggest problem is that the drivers have no confidence in the car."

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The Austrian admitted the dominance of recently crowned three-time World Champion Max Verstappen, who has won 14 out of 17 races so far. Otherwise, Wolff perceives the rest of the top teams in the same boat.

"We have to give them a solid foundation to score good points. There is only one man at the moment who stands head and shoulders above the rest. Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, and us are all in the same situation."

The Mercedes team principal remains confident that Red Bull's dominance will not last long, and by 2026, Mercedes will catch up. There is also the possibility of becoming a threat to Red Bull earlier if Silver Arrows can find the four-tenths they are missing.

"By 2026, we will be at the top again, but I wouldn’t be in this sport if I didn’t think it was possible to overtake Red Bull. If we can find three or four-tenths, then we are part of the fight again."

Mercedes remains one of the main threats to Red Bull as the Austrian team has still not secured a one-two in the Dirvers' Championship. While Sergio Perez is second, Lewis Hamilton is only 30 points behind and remains a threat to the Mexican, who has been criticized for his performance recently.