P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff’s Mercedes team has enjoyed a competitive start to the 2025 season, and is in third place in the standings, but still has one key problem.
Toto Wolff has expressed his belief that the performance of Mercedes drivers in F1 sessions hinges on many factors aligning, as a persistent long-term issue persists. In 2024, Mercedes demonstrated a pattern of strength in colder conditions but struggled as temperatures rose, with standout performances at the British Grand Prix and Las Vegas. This trend has persisted into 2025, with Mercedes excelling in rainy Melbourne but struggling in the heat of Saudi Arabia and Imola. Despite George Russell’s 75-point deficit to championship leader Oscar Piastri, Wolff is focused on addressing the team’s performance imbalance for the 2026 rule changes. Wolff emphasized the need for the drivers to feel confident in the car and for all elements to come together for competitive qualifying positions. While acknowledging the challenges faced by Mercedes, Wolff highlighted the team’s improved start to the season compared to the previous year.
