Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has addressed the team’s performance in the opening race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, calling it “underwhelming.”
At the end of free practice during the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Silver Arrows seemed to have found the right setup to challenge the Red Bull team at the front of the grid. However, their promising pace did not translate into performance when it mattered most: in the race. Toto Wolff lamented the team’s inability to convert the data gathered into on-track performance on Saturday.
“Our race in Bahrain was best described as underwhelming,” stated Wolff. “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.”
Toto Wolff has attributed the team’s disappointing performance to tyre cooling issues. This problem, albeit to a lesser extent, also affected Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari race. Consequently, both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were forced into a defensive race to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the system and ensure they could finish the race.
“Unfortunately on Saturday evening, our cooling performance didn’t match our predictions. That forced us into management mode early on, which had the knock-on impact of reducing tyre temperatures below optimum.”
Wolff emphasized the detrimental effect of the cooling issues, stating, “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.”
The Mercedes team will be aiming to address the cooling issues and improve their overall performance in the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 17th.