Toto Wolff says it would be “dangerous” to assume that Mercedes will be the top pace setters at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend.
Formula 1 resumes after a month long summer break with the first race scheduled at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
Spa is known as the high-speed circuit and is considered perfect for Mercedes W08’s longer-wheelbase which performed very well in similar tracks earlier in the year.
But with Ferrari dominating in Hungary Wolff says they not taking anything for granted about the possibilities at Spa.
Referring to their car’s strength Wolff said, “On paper, people will assume that Spa should suit our car because it is a circuit where aerodynamic efficiency is extremely important,”
“But assumptions are dangerous – we have seen too many times already this season that the form book can be rewritten from one weekend to the next.
“So we will be making no assumptions; we have to tick off the items on our work list and make sure we do the best job to maximise our potential points score.
“The motivation and determination in the factory are greater than ever. Hungary showed the strength of our team – and we intend to use the second half of this season to prove that strength.”
Threat from Red Bull
The world championship has largely been a two team fight between Ferrari and Mercedes so far. But Wolff is aware of the threat coming from the Red Bull team looking to win individual races.
Red Bull faced a few hard races at the beginning of the season but seems to have picked up the pace after a few recent engine upgrades. They also set a strong pace in Hungary GP that worries Wolff.
Talking about Red Bull, Wolff added: “From what we have seen in the first half of the season, the competitive balance will swing one way and another from circuit to circuit.
“Red Bull will be a threat if they can build on the performance they showed in Hungary. So we need to keep our heads down, stay humble regarding our strengths, diligent about our weaknesses and take the season weekend by weekend.”
