Wolff shares Mercedes optimism despite US GP pain

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff is optimistic about Mercedes' F1 future after the introduction of its latest upgrade at the United States Grand Prix, despite Lewis Hamilton's disqualification.

The Brackley-based squad brought an updated floor to the event in a bid to boost its pace amid a challenging campaign.

Hamilton was in contention for the victory on Sunday as he rapidly chased down Max Verstappen during the final laps before being forced to settle for second place on the road before he was disqualified for excessive plank wear.

This, and Charles Leclerc's sixth place also being expunged promoted George Russell to fifth as the W14 showed flashes of performance, but not enough to defeat Max Verstappen on the road.

Speaking of the result before the news of Hamilton's technical failure was announced to Sky Sports F1, Wolff said: “It's just painful.

“The upgrade is working, I think it's a superb step which was the direction that we were hoping would actually make it stick more and it does.

“Directionally, I think it’s a very good sign.”

'Trajectory is right'

Wolff praised Mercedes' gains in recent weeks, stating the upgrades helped the team in one particular area.

“We need to take the positives, I hate losing races and the whole team is in pain,” said Wolff.

“But this is a circuit where a few races ago we wouldn't have performed because it's those fast sweeping corners where we were miserable in Suzuka.

“We were well here now we're going to a few tracks that should make the car happier.

“I think the trajectory is right. We have two more weekends to go now so we can be quick to make it better.”