Toto Wolff delivers ‘realistic’ Kimi Antonelli admission as Mercedes enter gruelling triple-header
Despite winning the last two races, team principal Toto Wolff insists Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team must remain vigilant heading into a crucial period.
The Brackley-based Silver Arrows are leading both championships comfortably but three challenging triple-headers to conclude the season could cause a rapid derailment if things don’t go to plan.
After losing out to McLaren’s Lando Norris in Hungary and the Netherlands, drivers’ championship leader Antonelli returned to the top spot in Monza and Madrid.
This weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix - on the tight and technical streets of Baku - will put both Antonelli and Mercedes under the magnifying glass once more.
Wolff is demanding optimum focus from the whole team to ensure they remain ahead of nearest challengers McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.
He’s also well aware of the fortunate manner in which Antonelli won last time out, with the fortuitous timing of a virtual safety car ending the otherwise dominant Norris’ chances.
“The last two race weekends have delivered good results, but they don't change our assessment of where we stand," Wolff said.
"There are several teams capable of fighting at the front on any given weekend and in Madrid, we performed well but also benefited from things falling our way during the race. We are realistic about that.
"Now we head into the first of three triple-headers to end the season. It will be a demanding period for the whole team, both at the factories and trackside.”
With the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia and the Singapore Grand Prix to follow Baku in quick succession, the next three weeks will test the endurance of everyone in the team – mentally as well as physically.
“There is very little time to reset between races, so preparation, reliability and operational execution become even more important. These are the moments where our championship position can be strengthened or lost.
"We start in Baku. It is one of the most unusual circuits on the calendar. It asks a lot from the car and the drivers. You need good straight-line speed, confidence in the braking zones and a car that can handle the low-speed corners through the old city.
"Recent results have been encouraging, but they don't guarantee anything. Baku will expose any weakness very quickly.
“We have to approach the weekend with humility, do the basics well, and earn every point."
Lights out for this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix is at 12pm BST on Saturday, September 26, with qualifying taking place on Friday.