Wolff outlines major Mercedes challenge from Azerbaijan struggle

Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes struggled to control its tyre temperatures during last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

George Russell inherited a podium after Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez crashed on the penultimate lap, something the Mercedes team principal recognises as fortunate. 

Mercedes struggled throughout the weekend in Baku, with Lewis Hamilton in particular having complained multiple times. 

The seven-time world champion was forced to “yank” his steering wheel during the race as a result of a poor car balance, on his way to finishing ninth. 

Mercedes’ pace was strong at times at the Baku City Circuit, although consistency was an issue. As highlighted by Wolff, the team has taken what it learnt into this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

“After a mixed weekend in Azerbaijan, we will take the learnings from Baku and aim for an improved performance in Singapore,” added Wolff. 

“At times, our pace was strong but we couldn’t deliver that consistently. Our main challenge was controlling tyre temperatures and something we know we need to improve upon. 

“It is encouraging that, when we get the car working, we have the pace to be competitive. Whilst we came away with a podium though, we know that it was fortuitous and we were P5 on merit.”

Singapore challenge

The Singapore GP is a gruelling round on the F1 calendar, with the circuit offering drivers little time to rest. 

It is an unusual night race where heat and humidity is a serious challenge, both for the drivers and the team in the garage. 

Mercedes boasted good pace at the Marina Bay Circuit last season, although Russell crashed on the final lap – Hamilton inherited a podium as a result.

“We head straight to Singapore for the second race in this double header,” said Wolff. “Although a street circuit like Baku, Marina Bay is a different challenge. 

“Physically, it is incredibly demanding on both the drivers and team members. The heat and humidity play a big role in that but so does the track itself. 

“It is bumpy in places, contains a mixture of both low and high speed corners, and the walls are waiting to catch you out.”