Mercedes motivation "greater than ever" after back-foot surprise

Mercedes

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Mercedes motivation "greater than ever" after back-foot surprise

Mercedes arrive in Qatar with fresh optimism after Hamilton's win in Brazil

Ewan Gale

Thursday 18 November 2021 18:38

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Toto Wolff has insisted Mercedes' motivation remains "greater than ever" following the recent sensational events in Brazil.

F1 arrives for its maiden race in Qatar this weekend off the back of a dramatic São Paulo Grand Prix in which Lewis Hamilton shrugged off disqualification in qualifying and an engine penalty to take victory and remain in the F1 title hunt.

The Losail International Circuit is a layout believed to favour Mercedes over rivals Red Bull, but Wolff is remaining coy until practice has been concluded.

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"We arrive in Qatar for a fresh challenge, a brand-new circuit for F1 and one we can't wait to race on," he said.

"We have prepared as well as we can for a new track and the need to maximise our learnings from the opening practice sessions will be as important as ever.

"The performance picture from circuit to circuit remains unpredictable but as Brazil showed, even on the back foot, this team will always be there fighting. "The final race of a triple-header can sometimes test your energy levels but with just three races to decide both championships, our motivation is greater than ever.

"Our focus is on channelling it in the most effective way."

Hamilton's win to be talked about "for years to come"

Hamilton began the weekend in Brazil fastest by four-tenths of a second in qualifying before being thrown out when his W12 failed scrutineering.

A charge from 20th to fifth in the sprint left him 10th on the grid for the grand prix, with the Briton climbing to third by lap five before a titanic tussle with Max Verstappen culminated in a 10.5secs penalty.

"Last weekend in São Paulo was a triumph through adversity and I couldn't be prouder of the fighting spirit from every member of our team," added Wolff.

"Through each setback, our determination grew stronger, and this already close team grew tighter with every challenge thrown our way. "Lewis completed a stunning victory, which will rightly be talked about for years to come.

"For us, that victory is just one important step on our journey and our goal is clear. The disqualification on Saturday though, and the potential loss of three points, doesn't make the challenge to fight for the championship any easier.

"On Valtteri, he performed excellently all weekend, his sprint victory on Saturday and podium on Sunday showed the strength of our pairing. Their teamwork was fantastic."