Wolff puzzled by Ferrari under-performance

©WRI2

Toto Wolff admits to have been surprised by Ferrari's lack of pace in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, saying the Scuderia appears to have lost ground on Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton achieved his 59th career win and the first back-to-back victory of the season following a dominant performance at Monza.

In Ferrari's home race, neither Sebastian Vettel nor Kimi Raikkonen were ever in contention for victory, a state of affairs which mystified Wolff.

"It was a faultless race for us, we had no problems whatsoever," said Wolff.

"For me, it looks like this weekend Ferrari has made a step back somehow. I think we were very solid, but also they haven’t performed in the way everybody expected.

"Red Bull started from the back of the grid and almost finished P3, there is just something that is out of sync here, so I can understand that they are upset about it.

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"Our analysis this morning, based on our pace on Friday, we thought they would be closer considering their Spa performance."

Wolff is still wary however of certain races ahead which could play into Ferrari's hands.

"We've had swings this season, with tracks where we were very good and others where we struggled," Wolff added.

'When we look back one week, everybody expected Ferrari to be further behind (in Spa) because it was also a track that suits us, but they were giving us really a hard time.

"With these new cars it about learning the lessons and understanding, and as much as Ferrari lacks answers today, we were lacking answers in some of the past races.

"So now looks look forward to Singapore and hopefully do a good job."

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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.