“I can see determination in every member of the team” – Mercedes’ Toto Wolff

The French Grand Prix left both Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas frustrated, the team threw a possible one-two away after poor strategic judgement.

Mercedes now find themselves slipping behind Red Bull Racing both in the drivers and constructors standings, with their title rivals proving they are seriously up for the fight this season.

The Silver Arrows don’t have to wait long to start the fightback, with this weekends Styrian Grand Prix hosting the second round of the triple header, a venue that Mercedes have had their ups and downs.

The weather is due to take a turn for the worse all weekend with heavy rain forecast, something which may not bother Hamilton who took an unbelievable wet pole at the circuit last season.

It is of course Red Bull’s home race this weekend and next, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff would love nothing more than seeing the championship lead swing back into Mercedes hands at Red Bull’s home, Wolff’s team are locked and loaded into getting the top spot back.

“From the fans, to the drivers and the team members, this season is keeping all of us on the edge of our seats. We had an exciting race in France with another intense battle between the top four cars, and that challenge is something everyone in the team is relishing.

“After the disappointment of missing the win had faded, there were plenty of positives to take from France. We scored a good haul of points with P2 and P4 and the pace of the car was an encouraging step forward compared to Monaco and Baku, thanks to the hard work of our team members at the factories and at the track.

“But while we know there is still a long way to go and plenty more opportunities to come, in a season like this, every single point will matter and make the difference. And we’ve left points on the table at the last few races.

“We’ve debriefed France and understand the areas where we have the opportunity to improve. So, now it’s all about focusing on bringing those improvements to the next two rounds in Austria, where hopefully we can swing the positive momentum back in our favour. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long for our next chance to try and do that and I can see the determination in every member of the team.

“Austria has been a tricky circuit for us in past seasons, but we went well there last year. We know the situation is very different this season, though. It’s a very quick lap and a short circuit, with fewer opportunities to gain time. The margins are going to be tight, so we’ll give it maximum attack!“

Credit: Wolfgang Wilhelm