Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
In the run-up to the American Formula One Grand Prix, George Russell has exuded a silent confidence, with Mercedes confidently playing a dominant role in Albert Park’s season-opening race.
However, his seasoned manager Toto Wolff doesn’t share the sentiment as teams work through the biggest rules changes in the sport’s history.
” In 15 years or so, I have never been comfortable,” Mercedes team main Wolff said on Friday.
” Yet if we started the year beautifully, I’ve not been confident enough to say that we’re going to be quick and finish on the floor at the end of the trip.
That is the same as it was this time. I won’t say that because we don’t know for sure already. “
Given that they had no real chance of winning the final, Mercedes was one of the many teams that switched their focus to 2026 early next year.
The increased emphasis on chargeable batteries in accordance with the new regulations has created a lot of challenges for teams during screening and practice.
Mercedes are no exception, with Kimi Antonelli’s website issues in Bahrain followed by obstacles at Albert Park on Friday.
Wolff questions whether Mercedes ‘ favoritism for the constructors ‘ championship is appropriate, even though he thinks those can be overturned.
It’s really teething issues, Wolff said, not inherent issues that we have with the hardware and software.
” Having said that, I’ve always said that I believe Ferrari and Red Bull are really fast.
People try to talk us up all the way through, which is attractive, but I’m not sure if that’s entirely true. “
In the next training session on Friday, Antonelli was also second fastest, with Russell next.
Wolff refuted problems that the new rules might cause a turbulent race on Sunday.
It will be unique in a particular way. We might witness the peculiar surprise, he said, because some vehicles are going to fight, while others are not.
Reliability is generally a problem, especially with brand-new vehicles and powertrains.
They say that you must finish second in order to accomplish first. I suppose that’s going to be the theme for these first few maisons prix. “
