Start of season brings back memories of 2013 for Toto Wolff

“When we were behind in winter testing and in Bahrain, it was a feeling I hadn't felt in the team since 2013 when we had that first feeling that we could be at the front. »

The signed maxim Toto wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes, could seem special with two victories in three races for Lewis Hamilton, the last one Portugal last weekend. However, Mercedes sees clearly in Red Bull an opponent as tough as ever, led by a Max Verstappen on the lookout for the slightest opportunity.

The fight between the two teams delights the captain of the German team, who however remains cautious about the rest of the campaign. “The overall situation is exciting and will continue to be exciting, continues Wolff. I would like to be happy after Abu Dhabi at the end of the season but for now we will take the steps one by one. »

With Lewis Hamilton still sparkling on the track, Mercedes was able to get rid of the offensives of Max Verstappen last Sunday, Wolff highlighting the performance of the outgoing world champion, while emphasizing that Valtteri Bottas could undoubtedly have claimed better at the end of the race.

“We saw some absolutely stunning driving from Lewis and everything seemed under control throughout the race. You could see, and hear in his voice, how hard he was attacking. Incredible driving.

The exhaust sensor issue was unfortunate for Valtteri as he was able to catch Max, stabilizing the gap at around 1s, but there was more to come late in the race. We were unable to correct the faulty sensor issue, so the motor went into protection mode and this cost it 5 seconds.

Valtteri probably would have had a chance against Max at the end if we hadn't let him down engine-wise. I think we have to give him credit for his race. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Portuguese Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in Portimão, in AUTO issue 2310hebdo, available now in digital version and from this Wednesday on newsstands.