Wolff signals new F1 'benchmark' team

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes McLaren is now the new “benchmark” in F1 following its 1-2 result in Hungary.

Oscar Piastri claimed his first grand prix victory last Sunday, with McLaren team-mate Lando Norris crossing the line in second place.

The victory did not come without controversy as McLaren spent several laps in discussion with Norris to hand the lead to Piastri, who slipped behind Norris when he was called into the pit lane two laps after his team-mate.

However, McLaren has been a consistent threat at most of the races building up to Hungary, leading Wolff to establish the Woking-based squad as the grid's strongest team.

“I’m not sure we were quicker than Max [Verstappen],” Wolff said. “We beat him on the track, but starting at the same time, on pure race time, probably not.

“What we have to acknowledge is that McLaren is now clearly leading the field, under all conditions. That is the new benchmark.

“It’s great that there is another team that has made the jump and is able to score first and second

“This is good for all of us. But under these conditions, we were not at the level to reach them.”

Mercedes aiming for P3 championship result

Mercedes currently sits fourth in the constructors' championship, 81 points down on Ferrari.

Having endured a challenging start to the year, the Brackley-based squad has made sizeable steps forward of late.

With 11 races left to run, Wolff highlighted that third place in the standings is Mercedes' goal at the end of the year.

“It's difficult to put targets out because it swings a lot, it's with upgrade to upgrade,” Wolff said.

“I think if we were to say what is the realistic-to-optimum scenario, today it’s probably P3 in the championship.

“It’s difficult to catch Red Bull and McLaren is now the benchmark. Therefore, I think that will be a good target, but it’s not easy.”