Ferrari form makes Mercedes wins sweeter for Wolff

Toto Wolff says Mercedes' last three victories have tasted sweeter given Ferrari have taken pole position each time.

Ferrari are on a run of six straight poles, with engine and aerodynamic upgrades having finally unlocked the potential of the SF90, over one lap at the very least.

Victories followed in Belgium, Italy and Singapore, but a combination of poor strategy and on-track errors helped Mercedes get the better of them on Sunday in Russia, Japan and Mexico.

The Silver Arrows' team principal remains concerned about his team's one-lap deficit to Ferrari, but says a greater ability to manage the races have given them plenty of confidence.

Wolff said of the Scuderia: "On raw pace they have the quickest package at the moment, but Sundays don't seem to come together for them.

"We like it. We are hungry to continue as we've done. Maybe getting these occasional slaps in qualifying helps to improve.

"I think it is great reward for the team to still be able to put together a team and performance that put us in position that we're able to win the races on Sunday when it matters.

"But it still doesn't feel great when you know you're not able to qualify in front."

Explaining Mercedes' ability to turn things around on race weekends, Wolff added: "I think it's not only about being more clever. We have a very strong race car on the Sunday, with a lot of pace. This is the reason we're able to overcut or undercut.

"Great drivers and good strategy you add that and that gave us these three victories. Clearly we're missing something on pace on Saturday."

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