Toto Wolff issues Mercedes warning after Monza high

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted the squad should not expect to be as competitive in Madrid this weekend following its success in Monza.

The Brackley-based outfit scored a one-two finish, with Kimi Antonelli rising from 19th on the grid to take his seventh career win.

The result marked Mercedes' first event at which it achieved maximum points since the Chinese Grand Prix, where Antonelli won his maiden race in March .

However, Wolff is expecting the situation to change this weekend at Madrid as F1 arrives at a new circuit, suggesting he expects rival teams to be back in the mix this time around.

“This weekend presents a completely different challenge,” Wolff said. 

“The circuit characteristics are much closer to somewhere like Budapest or Zandvoort. We are therefore expecting a very close-fought weekend. 

“Our task is to understand the demands of the track in Madrid as quickly as possible and maximise our performance from the first session onwards. 

“New circuits create opportunities and unknowns in equal measure.”

Madrid is the latest street track to join the schedule, with additions in recent years including Miami, Las Vegas and Jeddah.

Wolff hailed its inclusion on the calendar, stating it is a shining example of how the sport has grown in recent years.

“Madrid is a global destination city and racing there is another significant step forward for our sport,” he said.

“The fact that an iconic capital like Madrid wants to join the calendar shows the strength of our sport and the momentum we continue to build around the world.”