Toto Wolff voices Mercedes F1 title concern ahead of 'demanding' period

Toto Wolff has told Mercedes it must ensure its "preparation, reliability, and operational exection" are spot on as the team enters a "demanding" F1 period.

This weekend's Azerbaijan GP kicks off a period of three consecutive F1 triple-headers between now and the end of the season, although that is expected to change if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are called off.

Heading into the first of these triple headers in Baku, Kimi Antonelli enjoys an 81-point lead in the drivers' championship over George Russell, with Mercedes in turn 145 points clear of Ferrari in second place in the constructors'.

Mercedes is widely expected to win its first championship-double since Lewis Hamilton's seventh title in 2020, but Wolff has cautioned there must be no slacking off until the titles are secured.

"Now we head into the first of three triple-headers to end the season. It will be a demanding period for the whole team, both at the factories and trackside," Wolff said. 

"There is very little time to reset between races, so preparation, reliability and operational execution become even more important. These are the moments where our championship position can be strengthened or lost. 

"We start in Baku. It is one of the most unusual circuits on the calendar. It asks a lot from the car and the drivers. 

"You need good straight-line speed, confidence in the braking zones and a car that can handle the low-speed corners through the old city. 

"Recent results have been encouraging, but they don't guarantee anything. Baku will expose any weakness very quickly.

"We have to approach the weekend with humility, do the basics well, and earn every point. 

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Changing nature

Although Mercedes have won 10 of the 14 races thus far, it is being challenged by a new team at almost every race as the fortunes of Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull swing.

In the Spanish GP last time out, it was Lando Norris of McLaren who emerged as the main threat, with a stunning pole before Antonelli won through a fortuitously timed virtual safety car, something Wolff picked up on.

"The last two race weekends have delivered good results, but they don't change our assessment of where we stand," he continued.

"There are several teams capable of fighting at the front on any given weekend and in Madrid, we performed well but also benefited from things falling our way during the race. We are realistic about that."