Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the ongoing challenges with managing hot temperature issues affecting the team’s performance in Formula 1 races.
Despite being a large organization with numerous personnel, Mercedes has struggled to grasp the dynamics of keeping the tyres in the optimal operating window during hot conditions, as highlighted after the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona.
Wolff humorously suggested the need for racetracks in Greenland or Alaska to counterbalance their performance struggles in hot climates compared to their competitiveness in cold weather settings.
Mercedes’ recent performance contrasts starkly with their dominance during the hybrid era, as they now face difficulties in maintaining tyre performance when temperatures rise.
The team has historically excelled in colder conditions, evidenced by George Russell’s podium finishes, with challenges emerging when track temperatures increase, affecting tyre management and overall speed.
Wolff emphasized the intrinsic characteristics of each car’s design and performance traits, attributing Mercedes’ struggles with rear tyre overheating to the car’s DNA and setup challenges.
