“This championship is a heavyweight contest over twenty-three rounds” – Mercedes’ Toto Wolff

The final race of the first triple header of the season commences this weekend back at the Red Bull Ring for the second consecutive grand prix at the venue, the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team are eager to go one better than last weekend.

Mercedes go into this weekends Austrian Grand Prix after a double podium finish at the Styrian Grand Prix, the home of Red Bull Racing. Despite the double podium both Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, were both comfortably beaten by race winner Max Verstappen.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff is aware that his team don’t have the quickest car at the circuit, however with softer tyres in operation this weekend compared to last, different strategic opportunities could present themselves to the team.

“Last weekend, we maximised the opportunities available to us and despite not having the quickest car, took a solid double podium and a good haul of points. Every time we hit the track; we race to win. But, while we missed out on the top step of the podium last time out, there was still plenty to be encouraged by. Our drivers performed well, our pit stops were excellent, and our strategy calls were strong.
 
“We head back to the Styrian mountains this weekend with another big challenge on our hands but running on the same circuit on consecutive weekends brings opportunity too. We had an experimental Friday with the car set-up last weekend, and we hope to arrive to FP1 this weekend with the car in a happier place, ready to build from there. The tyre compounds are also a step softer this weekend, so that will bring a new challenge for all the teams and fresh possibilities in terms of strategy.
 
“This championship is a heavyweight contest over 23 rounds, and we’re just over a third of the way through. There are many opportunities to come and it’s still all to play for, so we’re excited for round nine.”