F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Mercedes 'ready to react' to whatever comes its way in Austin

Toto Wolff says Mercedes will deal with whatever cards it is dealt in Texas this week when the Brackley squad resumes its fierce battle with Red Bull at the Circuit of the Americas.

The German outfit outscored its Milton Keynes-based rival last time out in Turkey, but Max Verstappen's runner-up spot behind Valtteri Bottas at Istanbul Park allowed the Dutchman to reclaim the lead from Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' championship.

But Mercedes' dominant performance has inevitably boosted the reigning world champions' energy ahead of this weekend's round of racing in Austin.

"It was encouraging to see our positive performance momentum continue last time out in Turkey," commented Wolff in Mercedes' US Grand Prix preview.

"We haven't scored back-to-back race wins in a little while, so naturally spirits have been high in the factories since we returned from Istanbul.

"That race win was also the 200th victory for Brixworth since they began their winning streak in 1997, which is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the passion and hard work of everyone at HPP."

©Mercedes

In the wake of Verstappen's engine change/grid penalty in Sochi, Hamilton followed suit at Istanbul Park where Mercedes added a fourth ICE to the Briton's pool of hardware and achieved a result that it can "live with" insisted Wolff.

"For Lewis, the absolute view of Turkey is that he lost one point more than Max did in the previous race in Russia with a similar engine change, which we can live with," said the Austrian.

"The relative view when you're in the heat of a race is to always want another position, to score more points - that's who we are as racers, and we wouldn't want that competitive intensity any other way."

From the weather wreaking havoc on proceedings to unexpected circumstances unfolding on race day, this year's campaign has been an amazing roller-coaster of actions, incidents and emotions, much to the fans' delight.

But the Mercedes is ready to attack, defend or deal with everything in between in Austin.

"This season has had so many twists and turns, so we're ready to react to whatever comes our way this weekend in Texas," said Wolff.

"We're excited to be back in Austin for the first time since 2019, it's always a popular stop on the calendar and we can't wait to see all the passionate American fans.

"The Circuit of the Americas is a fun track for the drivers. There are some really fast and flowing corners, plus some technical sections and good overtaking opportunities.

"It's got a bit of everything and is a great track for racing, so I'm sure we're set for an entertaining Grand Prix."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

11 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

14 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago