P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has detailed how a “deliberate” set-up experiment exacerbated the team’s struggles in hot conditions in the F1 Austrian GP.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described how a deliberate set-up experiment worsened the team’s performance in the hot conditions of the Austrian Grand Prix. The weekend at the Red Bull Ring was challenging for the German team, a stark contrast to their success in Canada. The scorching temperature and abrasive asphalt hindered Mercedes, with George Russell finishing fifth, a minute behind the winner.
The team’s decision to test a radical set-up in Spielberg further complicated their situation, even though they knew the car struggled in extreme conditions. Wolff admitted that reverting to last year’s set-up might have led to a better outcome. Despite the setback, Wolff remains hopeful for a strong performance at Silverstone, with cooler conditions expected to benefit Mercedes. The team is aiming to bounce back and deliver a solid showing at a track where they have historically performed well.
