Toto Wolff Shares Mercedes Concerns Ahead of Singapore GP

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With the Singapore Grand Prix fast approaching, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shed light on some concerns as his team gears up for one of the most grueling races on the calendar. Set to kick off this Friday, the night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit brings a different kind of challenge compared to its recent predecessor, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Known for its demanding track and harsh conditions, the Singapore GP will push both man and machine to their limits. Wolff revealed that the team’s primary focus will be on managing tire temperatures, which has been a persistent issue for Mercedes.

Reflecting on the team's Azerbaijan performance, Wolff didn't hold back on identifying areas for improvement, particularly tire management.

"After a mixed weekend in Azerbaijan, we’ll be applying those lessons to aim for a stronger performance in Singapore," Wolff shared with RacingNews365.

He highlighted George Russell's fluctuating form in Baku, where Russell impressed on hard tires but struggled significantly on mediums. According to Wolff, this inconsistency is something Mercedes needs to address quickly.

"At times, our pace was strong, but it wasn’t consistent enough. Controlling tire temperatures is our main challenge, and that’s something we must get on top of," Wolff said.

Singapore's Marina Bay Circuit is notorious for its extreme conditions. The combination of high heat, humidity, and a technical, unforgiving track makes it one of the toughest events of the year.

"Heading straight to Singapore after Baku presents a new set of challenges. Physically, it’s incredibly demanding for both drivers and the team. The heat, humidity, and the tricky nature of the track really test everyone," Wolff explained.

The circuit’s bumps, along with its mix of tight low-speed corners and faster sections, only add to the complexity. These factors make tire temperature management even trickier, especially in the oppressive heat of Singapore.

"It’s bumpy in parts and features a mixture of slow and fast corners. One mistake, and the walls are there to punish you," Wolff added.

Mercedes' somewhat inconsistent form in Azerbaijan serves as a warning sign for Singapore. Despite securing a podium finish, Wolff acknowledged that it wasn’t a true reflection of the team’s current form.

"Yes, we got a podium, but we know that was a bit lucky. On merit, we were a P5 team," Wolff admitted, recognizing the need to refine their strategy and car performance.

As Mercedes prepares for upcoming races, including a big upgrade set for Austin, Wolff remains optimistic. He believes that if the team can get the car in the right operating window, they have the speed to challenge at the front.

"When the car is working, we’re competitive. That’s the encouraging part," Wolff concluded.