Wolff demands Mercedes maintain pre-shutdown momentum

Sam Hall
Wednesday 24 August 2022 14:48 - Updated: 13:34

Toto Wolff has urged Mercedes to "keep the momentum going" after a strong end to the first phase of the F1 season.

Mercedes' season began in a torrid fashion as the team struggled to get on top of its porpoising difficulties.

Despite this resulting in a significant lack of pace compared to frontrunners Red Bull and Ferrari, the Silver Arrows were still able to register three podium appearances from the opening seven races due to the W13's impeccable reliability.

But after getting its bouncing under control, Mercedes has slowly gained ground and arrives in Belgium looking to continue a streak of six consecutive top-three finishes, including double podiums for Geroge Russell and Lewis Hamilton in France and Hungary.

"We headed into the break off the back of a strong run of races and our biggest race weekend points score so far this year, in Hungary," said team principal Wolff - Hamilton's fastest lap in Hungary nudging it clear of the points haul from the French Grand Prix.

"While we're still not quite in the fight for victories, we're getting closer, so we need to keep the momentum going and the pressure on. "We're set for an intense second half of the season, with nine more opportunities to find improvements, make progress and hopefully challenge Red Bull and Ferrari for wins. "Spa-Francorchamps needs no introduction. A classic track with an old-school feel, the scene of many iconic moments in F1 history and an incredible challenge for both the car and drivers.

"We're excited to be back there, hopefully, we can put on an awesome show this year for all the fans in Belgium, and we'll also be celebrating 55 years of Mercedes-AMG too, with some fun activities."

Wolff thanks F1 families for "invaluable" support

With the F1 calendar requiring personnel to travel around the world for many months each year, Wolff reflected on the importance of the summer shutdown to allow time away from the paddock.

"The shutdown is an important time for the team to take some time off, recharge and spend time with their families, whose support throughout the year is invaluable," he added.

"There are few opportunities to do so during the season and the development race is relentless, so the break has been well deserved for everyone in the team."