Wolff admits surprise over Ferrari pace

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has admitted surprise over Ferrari’s strong form at the Italian Grand Prix.

Mercedes, who currently leads Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship,has often had stronger race pace over its Italian rivals.

However, the race at Monza saw Ferrari stick its car on pole position through Carlos Sainz, who held the lead of the Grand Prix for the opening stage of the event.

Max Verstappen eventually went on to beat Sainz to the victory, while the second Red Bull Sergio Perez crossed the line in second place.

However, Perez was forced to fight hard to overtake both Ferraris and only cleared both Sainz and teammate Charles Leclerc in the latter stages of the race.

While it was unable to hold off both Red Bulls for the duration of the race, it was able to outpace Mercedes

Sainz and teammate Charles Leclerc crossed the line several seconds ahead of George Russell in fifth, while Lewis Hamilton was sixth.

After enduring a difficult round at Zandvoort the week before, Wolff has stated that he was surprised to see Ferrari so strong at its home race.

“I think we've seen a very strong long run from Ferrari on Friday,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365.com.

“That was surprising. And [during the race] they were just quicker.”