Toto Wolff frustrated by "loose ends" despite Lewis Hamilton's century of success

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Wolff frustrated by "loose ends" despite Hamilton's century of success

Only McLaren has taken a perfect Sunday score this year

Sam Hall

Monday 27 September 2021 09:29

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was left frustrated by "a few loose ends" despite celebrating Lewis Hamilton's historic 100th grand prix victory in F1.

Mercedes made the ideal call as rain fell in the closing stages that allowed Hamilton to overhaul McLaren's Lando Norris who had opted to stay out on slicks.

The seven-time F1 champion finished ahead of title rival Max Verstappen, who made a spectacular recovery from last in his Red Bull, to move two points clear in the drivers' standings.

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While the win maintained Mercedes' 100 per cent record at the Sochi Autodrom, and Valtteri Bottas recovered to fifth after starting from 16th with a grid penalty, there were still areas of concern for Wolff.

“There are a few loose ends, and not only this weekend but also the last weekend [in Italy]," said Wolff. "In a way, we are not maximising our points scoring.

“I think quali was all decisive. Valtteri going back [down the grid], we knew it was difficult. We end up with a first and fifth and that is very good, no doubt about that, and it is Lewis’ 100th victory.

"But Max recovered in a spectacular form and that is not good for the championship."

At Monza, McLaren became the first team this season to register a one-two finish, and in adding the point for fastest lap, registered a maximum haul of 44.

Mercedes' best has been a one-three and fastest lap, achieved on two occasions, while Red Bull has also once managed a 41-point haul.

Mercedes, though, has not managed the feat since the third race of the season, while Red Bull has only scored 73.5 points over the last five grands prix.

“In a nutshell, we just need to continue to be really aggressive in how we approach this season and not be defensive but just move forward in order to score these big points," added Wolff.

“Neither us nor the others are good at maximising the points at the moment.”