via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 10, 2021 Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff talks in the team principals press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 10, 2021 Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff talks in the team principals press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
It has been a terrible start to the 2022 season for the Mercedes F1 team. The world champions have struggled massively with the new regulations and inherent porpoising issues with their W13. But Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is confident that they will find their way back once again. Wolff also commented on his equation with Lewis Hamilton amidst recent struggles.
It is unusual for everyone in Formula One to see the German team struggle so much and be off the pace by a margin to their competitors. They have dominated the sport since the beginning of the Turbo-Hybrid era.
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But they have not been able to extract the most of their W13 just yet. The porpoising issue is forcing the team to run their car with more ride height, which in turn is giving them less downforce as compared to their rivals.
Toto Wolff comments on his relationship with Lewis Hamilton
The Austrian mentioned the team has won eight consecutive constructor’s championships since 2014 in the sport. Hence, they know how to win and will get over their problems. He also commented if the struggles of this season have changed the dynamics of his relationship with Lewis Hamilton.
READ MORE: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?
“We have more than just a professional relationship. Lewis has been with the team for ten years. He has become a friend, someone I can trust. I couldn’t have asked for a better driver. He is the best of all time in Formula 1,” said the Mercedes team principal.
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via Getty
IMOLA, ITALY – OCTOBER 30: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on October 30, 2020, in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“We have won eight constructors’ championships in a row, but we just got off to a slow start and we are currently the third-fastest team. We have to stay humble and admit that other teams have done their job well. But we’ll find our way up again,” said Wolff.
WATCH THIS STORY: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive
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It is very important at the moment for the whole team to be united and work towards the same goal to resolve their issues. This is the first time under the leadership of Toto Wolff that the team is struggling so much.
So it would be fascinating to see how the Austrian navigates the situation and how they emerge from their struggles. It is not a sure-shot guarantee that despite resolving all their issues, they might be a championship contender this season.
