Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff is proud of a “solid” weekend in Sao Paulo as the Silver Arrows regained second in the constructors’ standings.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli achieved a pair of second-placed finishes in the sprint and Grand Prix, whilst George Russell finished third and fourth in the respective races, which saw Mercedes claim 43 points in total to move back into second and open up a 32-point gap to Red Bull who jumped above Ferrari into third.
Team Principal, Wolff consequently was delighted with a “solid” weekend as he acknowledged that race winner, Lando Norris was too difficult to beat, but was relieved that Antonelli fought off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second in the GP after the latter started from the pits following parc-ferme changes.
“We weren’t quick enough to challenge Norris, which we expected pre-race, and the Red Bull clearly solved their issues with their changes under parc fermé. It was therefore good to see Kimi keep Max behind at the end. He did so on a much older and harder tyre;
“Max had great pace today so that was no easy task once the Red Bull had got onto the back of us.”
Wolff also commended Russell for holding onto fourth as he added: “George also had a faster car chasing him down in the closing stages with Piastri closing in. The McLaren was in DRS range for several laps, but George kept him at bay well to take P4.”
The results meant that Mercedes sit second behind defending constructors’ champions – McLaren, and Wolff now is keen for the Silver Arrows to retain their position come the season finale on 7 December, but is wary of how easily their three-way fight for the vice-champion position can change.
“We have regained our hold on P2 in the Constructors’ Championship as we leave Brazil. Making sure we finish there when the chequered flag falls in Abu Dhabi is our aim.
“Having a lead over Red Bull and Ferrari as we head into the year-ending triple-header is positive, but we know how quickly things can change. We will keep our feet on the ground, work diligently, and aim to put in another solid weekend next time out in Las Vegas.”
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