Mercedes still face mountain to climb despite improvements - Toto Wolff

Mercedes

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Mercedes still face mountain to climb despite improvements - Toto Wolff

Can the team make a step at Silverstone?

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 29 June 2022 11:40

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has conceded Mercedes still has a mountain to climb despite recent improvements to the W13.

Lewis Hamilton clinched his second podium of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix last time out whilst team-mate George Russell continued his streak of being the only driver to have scored at every event this year, finishing in the top five of each.

But despite the results, the Silver Arrows remain down in performance compared to Red Bull and Ferrari and both drivers have struggled with the aggressive bouncing Mercedes' stiff set-ups have caused.

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"Canada was our fifth podium of the season, and we were happy to collect solid points," explained Wolff.

"While we can be pleased with the flashes of speed that the W13 showed, there's still a mountain to climb.

"A lot of work is needed to get to the front, but we have a clearer direction now. We're focused on finding more and more performance as the season progresses."

Silverstone a "highlight of the year"

The British Grand Prix provides Mercedes a test closer to home, with Silverstone within 10 miles of the team's Brackley factory.

The team has prospered at the circuit in the past and with updates being applied on what is a smoother surface than in Canada and Azerbaijan, hopes will be high for an improved performance.

"Silverstone is next, and it's always a highlight of the year," said Wolff.

"The fans are so passionate and knowledgeable. It's also our local event, with Brackley and Brixworth close by.

"Our team members will be trackside on Friday watching from the stands and seeing the results of their hard work in action, which is incredibly exciting! "We know the top two teams have a considerable advantage. Our challenge is to close that gap.

"Silverstone has been good to us in the past; we have some improvements coming, and it's a smoother track. We're aiming to make another step forward."