Toto Wolff reveals 'deliberate' Mercedes Austrian GP experiment

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that the Silver Arrows "deliberately experimented" with the set-up of the W16 in the Austrian Grand Prix. 

As expected, the Brackley-based outfit endured a poor weekend at the Red Bull Ring, due to the track temperature having narrowly surpassed 50 degrees Celsius. 

The scorching conditions were a recipe for disaster for Mercedes, who have openly addressed the difficulties it faces in hot weather. 

Kimi Antonelli's race came to an immediate end at the third corner after a mistake saw him crash into Max Verstappen, whilst George Russell secured a lonely fifth. 

The Briton was unable to replicate his Canadian Grand Prix performance which saw him secure an emphatic victory; however, the weather should be more to Mercedes' liking in Silverstone. 

Current forecasts for the British Grand Prix show temperatures around the low 20s, conditions which should be significantly more favourable to the German outfit. 

Wolff is pleased for an immediate chance to bounce back from Austria this weekend, where he expects a stronger grand prix for the team.

"After a tough Grand Prix in Austria, it is good to get back racing straight away," said Wolff. 

"We deliberately experimented on set-up in Spielberg; it was a useful test and there are positive learnings we can apply this weekend, but it ultimately didn't help our performance.

"Silverstone has typically been a strong circuit for us. The cooler conditions should suit our car, and we are hopeful of putting on a good performance in front of our teammates and the passionate British fans, who always provide a great atmosphere"