Wolff insists Mercedes upgrades 'won't be a silver bullet'

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Toto Wolff has reiterated his warning that a 360-degree turnaround in Mercedes' fortunes should not be expected when the team rolls out its new-spec W14 car next weekend in Monaco.

After the cancellation of last week's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola due to flooding in Northern Italy, Mercedes will introduce its major upgrade package in Monaco.

"Following the cancellation of the race in Imola, our thoughts are still with the people of the Emilia-Romagna region that have been affected by the terrible flooding," commented Wolff in Mercedes' Monaco Grand Prix preview.

"We have been saddened by the images but inspired by the rescue work of the emergency services and the resilience shown by the communities.

"We look forward to returning to Imola in happier circumstances next year."

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The Principality's tight and twisty layout that leaves no margin for error is not the ideal venue to implement wholesale changes, but the Brackley squad is committed to moving ahead with its development programme.

Mercedes' updates are set to include a new front suspension and revised floor as well as reprofiled sidepods. The team hopes that the changes will provide it with a more stable platform from which to develop its W14 black arrow.

But Wolff has warned once again that there are no silver bullets in Formula 1.

"The revised calendar means that Monaco is now the starting point of the European leg of the season," added the Austrian.

"It is a unique event but will still provide an opportunity to learn about the upgrades to W14 - but we also need to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from this one event.

"We are introducing the first step in a new development direction.

"It won't be a silver bullet; from my experience, they do not exist in our sport. We hope that it gives the drivers a more stable and predictable platform. Then we can build on that in the weeks and months ahead.

"F1 is tough competition and a meritocracy. We are not where we want to be but there's no sense of entitlement. It's just about hard work to get us to the front."

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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.