Toto Wolff believes Mercedes have taken a “clear” step forward over the winter and that the inconsistency issues which plagued them over tꦡhe past three seasons are no longer apparent.

Mercedes saw their cars finish in the top four at the season-opening F1 Australian Grand Prix.

168澳洲5最新开奖结果:George Russell enjoyed a lonely race to finish third behind168澳洲5最新开奖结果: Lando Norris and 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Max Verstappen.

168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Kimi Antonelli recovered from his Q1 exit to secure fourth after his penalty for an unsafe release was revoked🅷.

Since the introduction of the ground effect rules in 2022, Mercedes have won just five races and often lagged well bཧe🌳hind Red Bull, Ferrari, and more recently, McLaren.

Wolff feels that Mercedes have a “stable platform” with their W16 F1 ca𒐪r, and now i😼t’s about “unlocking more potential and adding performance”.

“We leave Australia with many positives but also a healthy dose of realism as to w💟here we stand in the pecking order,” Wolff said.

“The W16 provided a stable platform for the drivers, was less prone to swings in performance relative to the conditions than its predecessor, and at moments, sꦉhowed strong enough pace to challenge at the front.

“It’s clear we have tak🍒en a good step forward over the winteꦓr. Our focus is now on unlocking more potential and adding performance. We are excited for that challenge.”

Wolff delighted with “flawless” Russell

While it was a quiet 𝕴race for Russell, nailing the switch from dry tyres to intermediates ensured he could benefit from Oscar Piastri’s off-track moment.

Wolff described Russell’s race drive as a “top performance”♓. 

“The race itself was well-executed. We made the right decision🔯s at the right time to claim our first podium of the season. George drove a flawless race, pushing when he needed to, managing his pace to capitalise on the podium and taking advantage of the opportunities when they presented themselves,” he explained.

“A top performance and just underlies his speed, maturity and int🌱elligence.”

Antonelli we🌠nt from 16th ❀on the grid to finish fourth.

Li🍌ke Russell, the timing of the switch to intermediates played a crucial role i𒉰n him scoring a big result on his F1 debut.

Bu🌼t given it was his first race in F1, Antonelli’s composure, particularly when battling other cars, was impressive.

“For Kimi, he could not have asked for a more difficult task on his Grand Prix debut: starting out of position, facing extremely difficult conditions and, at times, a treachero🤪us track,” Wolff added.

“Nevertheless, he handled everything that was thrown at him with a maturity beyond his years. His speed when in free air was impressiv♕e and his confidence and decisiveness when overtaking were superb. There will be challenging moments for him across the season, but we are pleased with the trajectory we are seeing from him already. P4 was a just reward.”