Toto Wolff praises Mercedes' upgrades, targets success in Spanish Grand Prix
- Rob Fleming
- 1 June 2023
Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team's upgrades ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, stating there were no "nasty surprises".
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed satisfaction with his team's upgraded car ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, stating that there were no "nasty surprises" during the Monaco race.
The team made significant changes to the W14, including a complete redesign of the sidepods and front suspension, after their earlier 'zero-sidepod' concept failed to deliver desired results.
Although Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fourth and fifth in Monaco, Wolff remains cautiously optimistic about the revised W14's performance. He acknowledged some handling issues, particularly with the rear of the car, but emphasized that the team now has a new baseline to work from.
"We've addressed our concerns regarding the front suspension and the extravagance of our bodywork, and now we can focus on refining the car further," Wolff commented when asked about the upgrades my media. "The work done at the factory to bring these updates to Monaco was a significant effort, and we are determined to continue grinding away for better results."
With Formula 1 now heading to Barcelona, the Spanish Grand Prix could prove crucial in determining the trajectory of the 2023 season. The Circuit de Catalunya is familiar territory for the drivers and teams due to extensive testing sessions held there over the years.
The spotlight is now on Mercedes' upgraded W14, which debuted in Monaco but faced challenges assessing its true performance due to the unique nature of the street circuit. Many teams, including Mercedes' rivals, will introduce their own upgrades for the first time in representative conditions, adding to the intrigue surrounding the race in Barcelona.
As the competition intensifies, Wolff and his Mercedes team are determined to build upon the improvements made to the W14 and secure a strong result in Spain. The outcome of this pivotal race could shape the remainder of the 2023 Formula 1 season.
