‘The price of a mistake is much higher’: Toto Wolff sends stark Mercedes complacency warning
Brackley’s Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team must be on top form if they are to secure positive results in the upcoming Monza-Madrid double-header, Toto Wolff insists.
Team principal Wolff believes Mercedes are in excellent standing in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, though he’s very well aware of the threat from other teams in the leading pack.
The last six race wins have been split equally between Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari, with five of the three teams’ six drivers claiming victories in that period. Only McLaren's Oscar Piastri has been excluded from wins.
After a double podium in Zandvoort last time out, Mercedes are eager to push on in the next two events, starting with the Italian Grand Prix this weekend (September 4-6).
"The field has compressed to the point where several teams can win on merit, and the price of a mistake is much higher,” Wolff said in anticipation of Sunday.
"We have put ourselves in a strong position in both championships, but nobody in our team is under any illusion about how difficult the next races will be.
"For us, Monza begins with a challenge. Kimi (Antonelli) will take a power unit penalty and start from the back of the grid.
“It's disappointing for him and for the fans who want to see him fighting from the front in his home race, but our sport doesn't reward sentiment.
"When you make decisions that benefit the championship campaign, sometimes you pay a short-term price.
“The objective now is straightforward: recover as many places as possible and maximise points.”
For Antonelli’s teammate George Russell, the task of victory is far simpler than starting from the back. But it will still be a very tough test to beat Lando Norris, who has won the last two Grands Prix.
"On the other side of the garage, George arrives with good momentum after Zandvoort and will be looking to put himself firmly in the fight from the start of the weekend,” Wolff added.
"Monza is an energy-poor track; you spend much of the lap asking everything from the power unit and don't have many opportunities to charge the battery.
"With the current regulations, that creates compromises that will need to be managed carefully. It is an interesting challenge and one that will likely lead to an exciting weekend."