Toto Wolff had some candid comments ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, admitting his old rival, Dr. Helmut Marko, was right about Mercedes’ weakness in hot weather. After winning in the cooler conditions of Austria and Silverstone, the team faced Budapest with some anxiety. The tension peaked when George Russell wasn’t fueled enough to finish Q1 on a drying track, resulting in a poor qualifying session for the squad.
Lewis Hamilton found himself in the middle of a Ferrari battle, qualifying fifth between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The race saw Hamilton chase Verstappen for third place in a heated duel that lasted until the final lap. Despite older tires, Hamilton managed to fend off Verstappen’s attack but not without drama. With seven laps remaining, the two clashed, prompting accusations of reckless driving from both sides.
George Russell started from P17 and fought his way through the pack, but an undercut by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez saw Russell finish in eighth place. Nevertheless, a P3 finish for Hamilton and P8 for Russell were better than expected, given the high temperatures that usually hinder the Mercedes cars. Toto Wolff commented, ‘I think these conditions are not for us. Red Bull move to secure Max but with Sainz in the frame Wolff says Hamilton undercut was never on,’ showcasing the impact of the heat on their performance.
At the final round of pit stops, McLaren feared Mercedes might attempt an undercut for Hamilton to overtake Lando Norris. To counter this, McLaren pitted Norris ahead of Piastri, breaking usual protocol of pitting the race leader first. Wolff denied any such plan, admitting they had overstretched Hamilton’s tires. Despite this, Wolff congratulated McLaren for their strategic success, acknowledging it was overdue.
Meanwhile, Wolff provided insights on potential replacements for Hamilton. He mentioned Frederik Vesti and Mick Schumacher as valuable assets to Mercedes but hinted at a lack of F1 opportunities for Vesti. Wolff praised Schumacher’s contributions to the team, hinting at a potential seat for him while indicating that decisions would be made later. Reflecting on team dynamics, Wolff draw parallels to past internal battles when Rosberg and Hamilton were teammates.
As the season progresses, Wolff remains hopeful for cooler conditions in Belgium, indicating that the upcoming Spa Francorchamps race might offer some respite. However, weather forecasts suggest otherwise, predicting ambient temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius with minimal rain. Despite this, Wolff remains optimistic about learning from each race and improving the team’s performance. The Mercedes boss continues to navigate the complexities of team dynamics and race strategies, all while keeping an eye on potential replacements for Hamilton.
In the world of Formula 1, every race is a learning experience, especially when dealing with unpredictable elements like weather. Toto Wolff’s candid reflections and strategic insights reveal the constant challenges teams face. As Mercedes looks ahead to Belgium, the hope for cooler conditions underscores the intricate balance between man, machine, and the environment. Whether it’s handling hot weather or making crucial team decisions, the race goes on for Mercedes.
