Silverstone Grand Prix: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expects plenty of opportunities

For the Mercedes team, the second qualifying session of the Silverstone weekend went even better than the first, in which the GP stars had decided amongst themselves the starting grid for the Sprint in Great Britain. Whilst local hero Lewis Hamilton had been the fastest in the Ferrari during the first qualifying session, Kimi Antonelli managed to set the fastest lap of all on the 5.891 km circuit in the final GP practice session.

His team-mate George Russell was less fortunate; he had to settle for fourth place behind pole-sitter Antonelli and the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Afterwards, he admitted he was at a loss as to why they lacked speed on the straights and emphasised that the team was still searching for the cause.

Rivals got in George Russell’s way

Team principal Toto Wolff offered a different explanation. Commenting on his drivers’ performance, he said: “Both drivers were quick in qualifying. Kimi managed to optimise his lap in Q3 and secure pole position. George was right in the thick of it, but the traffic ahead of his final attempt cost him his best lap.”

The Viennese team principal is certain: “Fourth place is still a good starting position, and we know he can fight for victory in the race. It will be a long race, and there will probably be plenty of opportunities.” Looking at the competition, he also revealed: “So far this weekend, it’s been a tough battle against Ferrari. They’ve been quick right from the first session, which is why we’ve had to work hard to hold our own against them.”

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