Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted that it is "hard to predict" how the team will perform at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. After a tough start to the season, Mercedes have made significant progress with the W13 package as they chase current F1 pace-setters Red Bull and Ferrari. Despite troubles over one-lap and in the early stages of race stints, Mercedes capitalised on Charles Leclerc's retirement to claim a double podium finish last time out in France. Lewis Hamilton led George Russell across the line for P2 and P3 respectively, with both getting the better of Red Bull driver Sergio Perez on merit.
Mercedes boosted by French GP result
Wolff, though, knows gains need to be made in two more areas if Mercedes are to become contenders for race wins in 2022. "It was encouraging to score such a big haul of points in France and maximise the situation on Sunday, but we know there is much work still to do," he said. "The gap to the leaders on a single lap persists and we struggle more at the start of stints. "We need to keep unlocking more performance, and by maintaining the culture, mindset and spirit that has spurred on all the hard work at the factories, I'm confident we will. "Our reliability was good once again, and both Lewis and George were on strong form, to deliver a double podium."
Wolff: Hungarian GP form hard to predict
Sounding a note of caution following their breakthrough result, Wolff pointed to Mercedes being caught out at several tracks this season when "expectations haven't always matched up to reality". And, after their experience at the high-speed Circuit Paul Ricard, the team are wary of the "very different" Hungaroring venue. "Now we're switching focus to Hungary and a very different circuit; tight, twisty and bumpy, almost the opposite of where we just were," Wolff added. "It's hard to predict how we will fare because our expectations this year haven't always matched up to reality, in terms of which tracks suit the W13. "Nevertheless, we'll give it our all and we always look forward to being in Budapest and the warm welcome we receive from the fans."
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