Mercedes set summer target after securing ‘headline results’

Toto Wolff has downplayed Mercedes' chances of victory at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, but is aiming to enter the summer break in strong fashion following its recent run of form.

Mercedes head to the Hungaroring having won the last two races in Austria and Britain respectively, marking its first back-to-back wins since 2021. 

George Russell claimed a shock victory in Austria after Max Verstappen and Lando Norris collided, whilst Lewis Hamilton won on merit at the British Grand Prix. 

The Silver Arrows finally understand the data being produced in the simulator and in the wind tunnel which is resulting in a sudden "positive trajectory", with more upgrades to be fitted to the W15 in Hungary. 

Mercedes has never been in such a strong position in the current regulations, although more is required, in Wolff's opinion, for the team to challenge at every race.

"We head into the upcoming double header with momentum," said Wolff. "We have continued to make progress with the W15 in recent races. 

"That has led to headline results in Austria and Silverstone. However, we know we don't yet have a car that can challenge for victories every weekend. 

"The team is working hard to bring more steps of performance that we hope will enable us to do that. Those efforts will continue over the next two races and right up until shutdown."

Mercedes highlight unique Hungarian GP challenges

Whilst Wolff has downplayed Mercedes' hopes of victory, the Brackley-based outfit tends to perform strongly in the Hungaroring. 

Hamilton secured pole position for the Hungarian GP last season and is an event he adores, whilst Russell started the race from pole position in 2022.

However, Mercedes has a very different concept to what it has used previously in Hungary. The Hungaroring is very different to the circuits recently raced on which could play a factor, as pointed out by Wolff. 

"The Hungaroring is different in character to the past couple of circuits," continued Wolff. "Unlike Silverstone, it features plenty of tight and twisty sections, with just one meaningful straight. 

"It does contain some high-speed corners too however and it will therefore be another good examination of the gains we've made across the corner speed range. 

"We head into the weekend focused on doing the best job we can. We hope to maintain this positive trajectory and finish the first half of the season as strongly as possible."