Mercedes will 'turn weaknesses into strengths' - Wolff

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the Silver Arrows outfit's defeat in Singapore has provided an opportunity for the team to "learn and improve" ahead of another challenging fight in Russia this week.

Against all expectations, Ferrari dominated the weekend at Marina Bay, thanks to its technical excellence but also to Mercedes' relatively poor execution.

For only the second time this season, the German outfit's drivers were nowhere to be seen on the podium, a surprising shortfall that undoubtedly rattled Mercedes.

Bottas has 'some unfinished business' in Sochi

"Singapore was a tough weekend for us. We had opportunities to win the race, both with a stronger qualifying on Saturday and our decision-making on Sunday - but we failed to do so, for a number of different reasons," said Wolff ahead of next weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

"But it was also a valuable reminder of the sceptical and humble mindset that has been so important for our success in the past seasons.

"Straight after the race, we started to analyse what went wrong in Singapore and we will use those lessons to learn and improve.

"These difficult days are the ones that make us stronger: this team has shown time and again that it can turn weaknesses into strengths. And we will do so again, here."

While Wolff highlighted his team's deficiencies in Singapore, the Austrian said its defeat "shouldn't take anything away from the strength of our opposition, either."

"The last seven races have shown us that we are in the midst of a fierce battle - and we need to be at our best in every area to claim the top step of the podium," added the Mercedes boss.

With five consecutive wins at Sochi since 2014, three of which delivered by Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes is on favourable terrain in Russia. But Wolff isn't looking at the stats.

"Sochi has been a strong circuit for us in recent years but those trends don't mean anything once we are on the ground," he said.

"We expect the weekend ahead to be another challenging one for us - and the entire team is ready to tackle that challenge head on.

"The circuit features a range of corner speeds, an unusually smooth asphalt and long straights, particularly on the run down to Turn 2. We're hungry to get to Sochi and begin fighting out on track."

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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.