Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has warned its Formula 1 rivals that the marque didn’t show its 2024 car’s “true potential” in last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The German outfit had entered the opening race of the season encouraged with a positive pre-season test and start to the weekend with its revamped W15 challenger.
But despite Mercedes prioritising a race-orientated set-up, George Russell slipped from third on the grid to fifth in the race, 46.7 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen.
Russell and team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who came home seventh, were hampered throughout with instructions to cool their engines, costing an estimated 0.5s per lap.
Wolff admits that Mercedes failed to leave enough margin on the cooling side, but he remains positive as both drivers provided feedback that the car was more driveable.
“Our race in Bahrain was best described as underwhelming,” he said. “We were hopeful of a stronger showing after our performance in practice and qualifying.
“Both drivers were pleased with the balance earlier in the weekend, and the more stable platform provided by the W15.
“Unfortunately on Saturday evening, our cooling performance didn’t match our predictions.”
Expanding on the issues which blighted the team’s pace in Bahrain, Wolff explained how the drivers having to manage engine temperatures also impacted the tyres.
“That forced us into management mode early on, which had the knock-on impact of reducing tyre temperatures below optimum,” he continued. “That cost us the opportunity to show something closer to our true potential. It was a frustrating way to start the season but one we will learn from.”
However, Wolff is defiant that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend provides Mercedes “an opportunity to take a step forward immediately” with its 2024 car.
“We will be aiming for a more consistent weekend and to understand our true performance relative to the rest of the grid,” the Austrian concluded.
