Mercedes aiming to bounce back in Monaco after Imola ‘limitations’

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has issued a rallying call ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, insisting the Silver Arrows outfit must “bounce back immediately” following its subdued showing last weekend at Imola.

After George Russell qualified an impressive third, hopes were high that Mercedes could challenge for a top-five finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

But early promise gave way to frustration as the Briton’s race at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari unravelled through a combination of tyre degradation, ill-timed pit stops, and outright lack of pace.

Russell slipped down the order after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc executed an effective undercut, and Mercedes’ attempt to switch to a two-stop strategy backfired due to poor timing with the Virtual Safety Car.

Ultimately, the Briton finished a disappointing seventh, while teammate Kimi Antonelli failed to see the checkered flag due to a throttle issue. Overall, Mercedes was left with more questions than answers at the end of their Italian weekend.

Working Hard to Understand Imola Limitations

In his Monaco preview, Wolff acknowledged the shortcomings of Mercedes’ Imola weekend and emphasised the importance of swift introspection.

“After a tough race in Italy, we have the opportunity to bounce back immediately in Monaco,” the Austrian declared, signaling urgency.

“We will work hard, quickly and efficiently, to understand what caused our limitations in Imola. It is important we get on top of that so we can avoid any repeat performances in the future.”

Wolff noted that despite the relatively poor race pace of its W16 in Imola, the team’s qualifying performance has remained a relative strength in 2025 – an asset that could prove crucial in the tight, twisty confines of Monte Carlo.

Eyes on Saturday in the Principality

As Mercedes prepares for one of the most iconic yet challenging races of the year, Wolff is putting faith in the team’s one-lap speed to turn the tide.

“We know that Monaco is a very different challenge, however. Qualifying is absolutely vital and that has been a strength of ours this year,” he said.

“That is encouraging but doesn’t mean anything unless we can do the job on track. We have seen how competitive Saturdays have been this year and that’s always more intense in Monaco.”

Read also:

• Russell: Fundamental issue left Mercedes ‘dead slow’ in Imola GP

With overtaking notoriously difficult at the Circuit de Monaco, the Mercedes chief is well aware that success will hinge on near-perfection during Saturday’s qualifying session.

The added complication of F1’s mandatory two-stop rule in the Principality – introduced to shake up the usual processional nature of the race – adds yet another variable.

“We will have to be at our best to give ourselves the opportunity to fight for a good result on Sunday,” Wolff concluded.

“The mandatory two-stop in the Grand Prix will also add another dimension to the race. We’re excited for the challenge and looking forward to getting back on track.”

With the world watching and the stakes elevated in Monte Carlo, Mercedes’ ability to regroup and rebound could be pivotal—not just for its weekend hopes, but for the trajectory of its 2025 season.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook