Toto Wolff reveals that Mercedes will have some small developments on the W14 this weekend following the disaster that was Bahrain, but no game changers.

"Our performance in Bahrain wasn't where we want it to be," admits the Austrian in Mercedes preview to this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. "But this is the position we find ourselves in and it is already full steam ahead on the car, understanding it and working to get it in a better place. That's an exciting challenge for all of us.

"Since Bahrain, we have had open and honest discussions from which we started to plan our fight back," he continues. "In the short term, leaving no stone unturned in the search for performance. In the longer term, focusing our development to determine how we get to the front. I've already felt the energy and determination in the factory and know that will continue moving forward.

"Anything can happen in motor racing, so we'll be working in Jeddah to maximise every part of our performance, chasing every point, every position, and every millisecond. That's one of the huge strengths of our driver line-up with Lewis and George. We are racers and giving everything we've got, every time we go on track.

"This weekend in Saudi Arabia we will learn more about W14, its characteristics and its limitations. It provides a very different test to Bahrain, and it will be interesting to see how the car reacts.

"We are bringing some small developments to the car: they won't be game changers, but they can start moving us in the right direction. And we'll be pushing as hard as we can to create opportunities, and hopefully will give us a better account of ourselves than in Bahrain."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Defiant, 16/03/2023 16:34

"I think you nailed that Chester. I think they are in a downward spiral, much like Albon faced at RB, or Ricardo faced at McLaren. Once the "real" pressure is on, they will second guess themselves and take miss steps, which will lead to more and more of them, until full on mistakes are taking place.

They can of course get out of this, but it's not easy. Maybe even a little luck will help.

I think Toto's "relishing exciting challenge" is a Tony bLIAR level of spin."

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2. Posted by Chester, 16/03/2023 11:35

"Wolff rode the superior Mercedes power unit since the turbo-hybrid era began, helped greatly by a top flight driver who rarely made mistakes.

That situation is quickly receding in the rear view mirror now.

I see full panic mode- which IMO, leads to mistakes."

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3. Posted by kenji, 16/03/2023 1:03

"Wolff relishes ' exciting challenge'....body language and demeanour would suggest otherwise. That alone is indicative enough but the activities surrounding this first race would suggest that Mercedes are in somewhat of a turmoil. Hamilton publically disses on the team, likewise Wolff. The rush to release a public statement begging fans for support and the reports, unsubstantiated ATPIT, of MB contemplating more support for AM as a result would indicate a high level of disquiet. Wolff has definitely lost some of his usual swagger. The question is, can they recover this early lost ground...by Baku we should have a better idea. Let's just hope that Alonso/AM can keep up the pressure over the length of the season, however an outcome that is difficult to see happening."

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Wolff relishes "exciting challenge"

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