Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is anticipating a very busy time in Las Vegas where the Brackley squad is already on site preparing for F1’s showcase event.
Mercedes is still reeling from its shock Brazilian Grand Prix weekend where its high expectations were blow into oblivion and its performance undermined by its car’s lack of pace and inexplicable tyre degradation.
By his own admission, the event was not only “unacceptable by Mercedes’ high standards but also the worst weekend ever experienced in F1 by Wolff.
George Russell secured fourth in Saturday’s sprint but retired from the Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Hamilton claimed seventh place in the sprint and ultimately finished eighth on Sunday, trailing race-winner Max Verstappen by more than a minute.
“McLaren and Aston Martin, both powered by Mercedes, achieved podium finishes.
“Brazil was probably our most difficult weekend of the season” commented Wolff. “After promising performances in the US and Mexico, we didn't perform at our best in Brazil.
“We have been hard at work to identify the wrong turn we took with the set-up; we have done that. We understand our mistakes and can explain our performance loss to the field.
“That's important as we look to secure P2 in the Constructors' Championship.”
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Like its rivals, Mercedes has relied on its simulation tools – and its vast experience – to prepare as best it could for Las Vegas, a race that will be run on the new venue’s 6.2 km, 17-corner street circuit that will speed down Sin City’s famous Strip.
Wolff offered a summary of the main challenges that await teams in Vegas.
“In parallel, we have been preparing for the challenge of racing at a venue that is a complete unknown,” added the Austrian.
“We have prepared the best we can, using the limited information we have, and there are some unique characteristics we can anticipate.
“The schedule is offset compared to other races. We'll be running at night, where ambient and track temperatures will likely be in the single digits.
“Plus, the track layout itself is unusual with many slow corners but long straights. It's going to be a big challenge for us all and we're looking forward to taking it on.”
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Formula 1’s extravaganza will be a high-profile affair, with the sport investing heavily in an event that will seek to leverage Vegas’ glitzy reputation to create a memorable F1 experience.
The presence of the sport’s many sponsors will loom large, with exclusive parties, events, and promotions surrounding the Grand Prix, and appealing not only to dedicated motorsport fans but also to a broader audience interested in the high-energy lifestyle associated with Formula 1.
In terms of marketing, Las Vegas is a huge undertaking for every F1 outfit, and Mercedes is no exception.
“It will also be an immense effort off-track,” commented Wolff. “We have an impressive guest hosting programme including our own three-storey Vegas Club next to Turn 4.
“Media interest will be through the roof and seeing the cars race down the Las Vegas Strip will be one of the most exciting moments of the season.
“The eyes of the sporting world will be on F1, and we look forward to putting on a spectacular show. It is going to be something truly special to witness.”
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