Wolff: Mercedes Needs Luck to Compete for Monaco Podium Amidst Tight Competition

Toto Wolff believes Mercedes will need assistance from the three teams ahead of them to contend for the podium in Monaco this weekend.



After the first seven rounds of the season, the Silver Arrows sit fourth in the constructors’ championship.



Last weekend’s result at Imola confirmed their current performance level relative to their rivals.



Lewis Hamilton finished sixth at Imola, one spot ahead of his teammate George Russell, and 35 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen.



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Verstappen’s Red Bull team faced a strong challenge from McLaren, while Ferrari remained out of Mercedes’ reach.



Although Monaco is known for its unique characteristics, Wolff still anticipates his team will struggle in a straightforward battle against the top teams.



Hamilton and Russell are therefore encouraged to capitalize on any opportunities that arise.



Wolff stated, “The small step forward we took in Imola was encouraging.



“The team has worked incredibly hard to bring our recent updates to the track, and it was a clear performance gain.



“That being said, others have improved too.”



“We are still a step behind the front three teams therefore, and there is plenty of work still to do. Nevertheless, we have a clear direction and developments in the pipeline.



“We have a more solid platform to build on now and we are confident that, in time, we can get ourselves into the pack ahead.”



“This work continues this weekend in Monaco. It is a unique circuit and a fantastic challenge for the team and drivers.



“It is always hard to predict expected performance, but we will look to execute a clean weekend and maximize the car we have.”



When asked about Norris’ challenge this weekend, Wolff responded, “Nothing! Monaco is again completely different.”



However, he acknowledged the performance gap between his team and Norris’ is “very close now” and emphasized the need for flawless execution on track in Monte Carlo.



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Max Verstappen added, “Monaco is always very hectic.



“You need to really nail all of qualifying to get a lap together there, get the tyres to work as well when it matters, it’s always very tricky.



“Monaco is very special, I would say, in that sense.”
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