Still remains positive

Mercedes and Wolff in despair: “This is brutal!”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff

(Bild: APA/AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC, Photoshop)

Even after the third race of the season, Mercedes' Formula 1 racing team is still upbeat. After Lewis Hamilton had to retire his engine in Australia due to damage, George Russell was involved in a serious accident. The Silver Arrows are leaving Melbourne without any points, team boss Toto Wolff currently has little hope of improvement, but still wants to remain optimistic.

"We took a real knock today. It's a bitter pill to swallow, it's brutal," said the Viennese after the race, admitting: "It's difficult to overcome negative thoughts at a time like this and say to yourself - we will turn the tide."

Optimism required
Mercedes started the season with the belief that they had produced a better car than in 2023, and Wolff wants to continue with this belief, but the results so far are probably giving the 52-year-old sleepless nights.

"My contribution to the team is to stay positive and creative. I would be the first to say - if anyone has a better idea, please come forward with it, because everyone here is working hard to make things better," says Wolff. At the moment, however, there is probably a lack of ideas, with Mercedes currently in fourth place in the constructors' championship with just 26 points. Hamilton and Russell will have their next chance to close the gap to the top on April 7, when the next points will be awarded at the Suzuka International Racing Course.