Wolff waiting for “ecstasy” high from Mercedes upgrades

Spanish Grand Prix

Wolff waiting for “ecstasy” high from Mercedes upgrades

Mercedes finished two-three in Spanish GP practice

Ewan Gale

Friday 20 May 2022 20:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted he is not yet in "ecstasy" despite a marked improvement for the W13 after upgrades were added at the Spanish Grand Prix.

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished second and third quickest at the end of Friday practice at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with only championship leader Charles Leclerc faster.

The Silver Arrows' inherent porpoising issues seemed to have been alleviated by the updates with a clear lack of bouncing in a straight line, although both drivers hinted at some problems in high-speed corners.

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Asked if it was fair to say the porpoising was better but not yet completely solved, Wolff told Sky Sports F1: "Exactly, it is better but still not that the drivers feel comfortable in the high speed.

"Turn three and turn nine, we are losing a lot of time and we need to find out what to do there tomorrow. Progress but not exuberance and ecstasy."

Wolff hails Mercedes PU development

In addition to the work at the team's Brackley base, the Mercedes High Performance Powertrains plant at Brixworth has also improved performance from the power unit, given Red Bull and Ferrari's greater straight-line speed.

Praising the work from both bases, Wolff said: "Both companies have worked so hard.

"Brixworth has really gained land against the other power unit manufacturers. It is fantastic to see that and I am really proud.

"On the chassis side, we are getting there. We have to see when the grip keeps coming tomorrow whether we can keep that performance and at least be in the mix or solid in the top three."