Toto Wolff applauds new F1 era "hype"

Mercedes

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Wolff applauds new F1 era "hype"

Formula 1 is racing to an all-new technical rule book this year

Sam Hall

Thursday 31 March 2022 08:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has 'applauded' F1's new era after a "spectacular" opening pair of races to the new season.

F1 is racing to an all-new set of technical regulations this year as the sport attempts to improve the show by improving the ability of cars to follow and increase overtaking.

After a pair of thrilling races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia began in style, Wolff conceded that despite the difficulties endured by Mercedes, F1 bosses have met their target.

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“I think they have achieved what they wanted to achieve - Spectacular racing, good overtaking," said Wolff.

"The grid has been shaken up. This is less funny for us, but it happened.

“The midfield is extremely close so overall, I think from the entertainment factor, I am happy about the hype that is around Formula 1 and I think they achieved their target.

“You can only applaud how that all came in.”

Last weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen take the first victory of his title defence after battling with Charles Leclerc in the closing stages.

The battle had been tactical with neither driver wanting to concede a DRS advantage onto the main straight, something that saw the pair braking earlier and earlier ahead of the detection zone in a game touted as 'DRS chicken'.

Asked for his opinion on the games being played at the front, Wolff said: "I like it personally.

"I think the cars delivered on what Formula 1 hoped for with great overtaking and DRS is powerful but it provides a great show now.

“I don’t know. I think that was entertaining to watch.”