Toto Wolff - Mercedes flat-out innovating for Baku push

Mercedes

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Toto Wolff - Mercedes flat-out innovating for Baku push

Mercedes struggled last time out at Monaco.

Sam Hall

Thursday 9 June 2022 08:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed Silver Arrows have been working flat-out to remove a weakness of the W13 ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Mercedes has endured a torrid start to the season and after appearing to turn a corner in Spain, Monaco was another difficult weekend with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth and eighth.

Whereas porpoising has been a constant issue this year, in Monaco the problem was a different form of bouncing caused by the stiffness of the W13's suspension.

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"We head to Baku refreshed after a hectic Monaco weekend full of red flags, delays and changeable weather," said Wolff.

"We scored solid points, but more was possible over the weekend, and we need to be maximising every opportunity we can to stay in the fight. "As in Barcelona, the slow-speed corners of Monaco presented the W13 a tough challenge but also provided us with valuable learning.

"With another street circuit in Baku up next, the team has been working flat-out to analyse those two races and identify the areas we can innovate to push us forward."

Mercedes target "crazy" Azerbaijan opportunities

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has often produced a surprise outcome with last year's podium - Sergio Perez, Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly - highlighting the opportunities that can arise.

Mercedes has only claimed three trophies so far this season, all for third-place finishes, and Wolff has his sights set on adding to that haul on Sunday.

"Baku often produces some fun and crazy track action, and the layout generates good racing opportunities," he added.

"So, let's see if it lives up to its reputation this weekend."