Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff: Bittersweet qualifying defeat at Monza

After George Russell had set the fastest time in both Friday’s practice sessions and the final free practice session on Saturday morning on the high-speed Monza circuit, one thing was clear: the experienced driver from the Mercedes works team was the clear favourite for pole position at the Royal Park of Monza. He also led the timesheets for much of the decisive Q3 session.

But there was no great jubilation in the Mercedes pit – instead, the Alpine team were celebrating frenetically. That’s because Pierre Gasly had just set the fastest lap time on the tarmac of the iconic Italian circuit, where he celebrated his first – and so far only – Grand Prix victory in 2020. This was now the 30-year-old’s first Grand Prix pole position, as he competes in his eighth full Formula 1 season.

The Mercedes power unit roars from the rear of his Alpine A526 – which is why the defeat feels particularly bittersweet for the ambitious Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff. The Viennese, who gave free rein to his emotions and punched the screen in front of him when Gasly’s time lit up, explained afterwards: “You always have to take all your rivals seriously. They have incredible speed on the straights because their car offers little aerodynamic drag. And over a single lap, that was clearly the deciding factor.”

“The race will be a completely different story,” consoled the 54-year-old Austrian, who also emphasised, in view of the fact that Alpine is a Mercedes engine customer: “I’m delighted for Alpine with the pole. They’ve been through a difficult period and we’ve played our small part in this success.”

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