Toto Wolff is determined to see Mercedes head into the summer break with another positive result as its battle with Ferrari resumes in Hungary.

The German squad's dominance in the past few years was successfully challenged by Ferrari this season, as Mercedes' W09 chassis struggled with its tyres.

A difficult period handed the advantage to the Scuderia but the Silver Arrows has fought back, taking a resounding win at the last round at Silverstone.

"The first half of the season was a mixed one for us," Wolff said in the team's pre Hungarian GP preview.

"From the first test, it was clear we had a real fight on our hands with Ferrari - and soon we could see this might become one of the classic seasons.

"It was a bumpy start for us as we didn't quite find the right set-up window to make our car function.

"Then we had a bad weekend in Monaco - like always, you learn much more from your defeats than your victories.

"We used that learning in the right way and, from that point, we started to turn things around."

Wolff insists Mercedes' approach is a step-by-step process where the team focuses on each specific racewhile never losing track of the bigger picture.

"Our approach is to take it weekend by weekend, to build our performance at each circuit in a calm and logical way and to keep pushing.

"The time for worrying about the points will come later. What I see when I walk the corridors of our factories is an energy and determination like never before.

"It is inspiring to see how our team is tackling this championship battle."

While Mercedes is hoping to pick up in Hungary where it left off at Silverstone, Wolff says the team's performance at the British GP is in the rear-view mirror, with no complacency taken from Lewis Hamilton's dominant home win.

"So now we head to Budapest for the final race before the summer break," adds the Austrian.

"We enjoyed a fantastic weekend in Silverstone but it is now something nice in the history books. We have to do the job again beginning with first practice in Hungary.

"Our rivals will be determined to fight back strongly - and we have to anticipate that. There is no complacency at all at Mercedes, just a resolute determination to get the job done."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Happy 'Bert Day' to F1i founder Bertrand Gachot

Today, we at F1i.com raise a celebratory glass to our esteemed founder, Bertrand Gachot, who…

22 mins ago

McLaren’s 2024 Season: A triumph 26 years in the making

McLaren roared back to the pinnacle of Formula 1 in 2024, clinching their first Constructors'…

37 mins ago

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

3 hours ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

4 hours ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

19 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

20 hours ago