Toto Wolff has made clear that Mercedes will "keep chasing those final few tenths" by bringing more updates to their 2022 car as the season develops. After racking up eight Constructors' titles in a row, Mercedes endured a difficult start under F1's rules reset – the W13 particularly badly impacted by the effects of porpoising. However, despite these issues and their pace deficit, the Silver Arrows still hold third in the standings, behind Red Bull and Ferrari but clear of the midfield pack. Between them, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have racked up seven podium finishes so far this season, benefitting from steady Mercedes updates and capitalising on reliability issues for their frontrunning rivals.
Wolff gives his take on Mercedes' progress
After another encouraging result at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Hamilton and Russell followed Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen home, Mercedes boss Wolff is eager for the upward trajectory to continue. "Third and fourth in Austria was a satisfying result for the whole team, particularly given the position we were in on Friday evening," said Wolff. "The team worked miracles to have two complete race cars ready for the Sprint and Grand Prix. 27 points on Sunday were a good reward for that effort. "We scored three podiums in the first seven races, and we have now achieved four in the last four. "I'm pleased with the momentum we are building, and it reflects the mammoth effort of the team. "Our understanding of the W13 is growing with every lap and it's encouraging to see that reflected in our development and results."
Mercedes set sights on another podium in France
As the F1 paddock moves on to France, Wolff confirmed that Mercedes' development push will not be slowing down. He also hopes the team will be in a position to challenge for another podium finish. "While we were quicker in Austria, we still weren't quick enough to challenge at the front," he continued. "We need to keep chasing those final few tenths and bringing new developments to the cars, including this weekend in France. "Paul Ricard is a very different track and challenge. It has smooth tarmac and a wide range of corner types, along with long straights. "The aim will be to make further inroads on the gap to the front and hopefully be back on the podium."
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