Wolff makes Mercedes "live testing" concession

Toto Wolff has conceded the difficult 2022 season was more about "live testing" for Mercedes rather than "really racing".

The Silver Arrows endured a tough campaign that saw George Russell score the team's only grand prix victory of the year in the penultimate race in Brazil.

Mercedes' struggles stemmed from unforeseen problems with porpoising following the introduction of new aerodynamic regulations.

The violent bouncing effect limited how low the team could run its W13 which, in turn, had a dramatic effect on performances in the early races.

Speaking to GPFans in an end-of-year interview, Wolff said: "I would say the car we gave the two drivers was really a handful.

READ MORE...Mercedes not a hindrance to Aston Martin F1 title goal

"[It was] very unpredictable, difficult to drive, and not competitive to race at the front.

"Therefore, it was more live testing than really racing."

The season marked an unfortunate first for Lewis Hamilton as the seven-time champion failed to score a race win for the first time in his F1 career.

Despite this, Wolff praised Hamilton's ability in tough circumstances, adding: "Once we got to a sensible point, he got back to his A-game.

"Fundamentally, he is there to win races and fight for wins, yet more than half of the season was a development game."

Additional reporting by Sam Hall

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Max Verstappen confirmed to race against Valentino Rossi for first time ever in historic announcement

• 51 minutes ago

F1 legend credits Christian Horner for stunning Red Bull victory

• 2 hours ago

Fernando Alonso sparks wild Lewis Hamilton conspiracy theory after Bahrain Grand Prix pandemonium

• 2 hours ago

FIA announce Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton inspection after Bahrain Grand Prix

• 3 hours ago

Max Verstappen victim of awkward blunder as FIA release Bahrain GP statement - F1 News Today

• Today 07:28

George Russell reacts to devastating Bahrain Grand Prix retirement: 'I'm pretty used to this'

• Yesterday 22:27