Following positive runs at Imola and Monaco, Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, is making steady progress in the right direction. This is highly courtesy of the W15’s recent developments that is slowly closing the gap to its faster F1 rivals.
Recently, Wolff has previewed the team’s progress ahead of the 2024 Canadian GP at the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Toto Wolff Highlights Mercedes’ ‘Solid Progress’ with W15 Ahead of 2024 Canadian GP
Mercedes, who are having a rollercoaster season, looks to be gaining momentum after George Russell’s P5 finish at Monaco. This matched their highest finish of the 2024 season, set at the season-opener in Bahrain. But, it was particularly satisfying, as they ‘sandwiched’ Max Verstappen at P6 between Russell’s P5 and Hamilton’s P7. So, the German powerhouse looks to be in the right direction, ahead of Sunday’s race in Montreal.
In an official interview today, Toto Wolff–Mercedes’ Team Principal–admitted that the W15’s development has been “steady, but positive”. He explained that their results at Imola and Monaco show they are “moving in the right direction”.
“We had an encouraging weekend in Monaco. We continue to make solid progress with our car, improving its overall balance and taking a step closer to those ahead.”
Recently, the Silver Arrows have been reducing the gap to the front-from three quarters of a minute in Bahrain to just under 15 seconds at Monaco. Reflecting on this, he added“
“The progress is not yet showing in terms of positions, but if we continue to close the gap to the fastest cars, we know it will in due course.”
As part of a performance upgrade, George Russell’s W15 used a new front wing at Imola, with Lewis Hamilton running without it. However, this Sunday, both the W15s will use the new front wing along with other upgrades. Wolff confirmed it and continued explaining,
“Both drivers will have the new front wing, and there will be some other development items for this event.”
“The new front wing offered a small lap-time gain around the tight streets of the principality, and should offer greater benefit on upcoming circuits.”
Despite these upgrades, he acknowledged that Mercedes’ rivals, especially Red Bull and Ferrari, “will continue to improve” and asserted that his team “work hard to get into the mix”.
“The front of the field is incredibly competitive. It has compressed, and we are under no illusions that others will continue to improve. We have to continue to work hard to get ourselves into the mix.”
In any case, Toto Wolff and Mercedes are now in North America for the second time this season, for the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix. The Silver Arrows will be looking to ‘close the gap’ at this Sunday’s race at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
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