Wolff urges improvement from 'sub-par' Mercedes

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has conceded that the entire team - including himself - was "sub-par" during the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Silver Arrows started third and 13th on the grid with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton but did not react quickly enough as rain fell on the opening lap, with the team believing it would only be a passing shower.

But a 10-minute duration left the decision to remain on slicks backfired as the majority of the field switched to Intermediates and although both drivers fell to the back of the field, a strong comeback positioned Hamilton and Russell in the top 10 when a late red flag period for further rain was triggered.

Whilst Hamilton finished sixth, Russell dropped to last following a puncture after contact with Lando Norris, with the result ensuring the team has collected only one podium in the past five races.

Wolff seeks improvement

Explaining the team's deficiencies during the race at Zandvoort, Wolff told Sky Sports F1: "We will review thoroughly and the situation is never [the fault] of one person or one department.

"It is the communication between the drivers, the pit-wall, strategy and all of us taking decisions.

"That was absolutely subpar from all of us, and that includes me.

"It is good when it hurts, and when it stings, it sticks.

"I'd rather have good pace, a fast race car and a mediocre result, even if it hurts.

"We saw at the end on the Intermediates, George had [race-winner Max Verstappen's] pace, and Lewis was very strong behind [Carlos] Sainz.

"We could have been much further ahead, but it is bittersweet because the result is just really bad, and it could have been good, but that doesn't count."