Fighting talk from Toto Wolff with Mercedes ‘recharged’ for F1 return

Toto Wolff says his Mercedes team are raring to go for the final 10 rounds of F1 2023, and certainly will not be cruising until the end.

It would be understandable if Mercedes were ready to take their foot off the gas, considering Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team effectively already have the F1 2023 title double in the bag.

But, that is certainly not a route which Mercedes will take, as there is important business to take care of.

Mercedes target P2 and 2024 gains

Mercedes find themselves in a battle with Aston Martin and Ferrari to secure that P2 spot in the Constructors’ Championship, the much-improved McLaren also a dark horse to take a shot at that runner-up spot.

But ensuring that P2 goes Mercedes’ way, even for a team that won eight Constructors’ titles in a row from 2014-21, is very much a key target, and with the regulations remaining stable for 2024, Wolff says Mercedes will use these remaining rounds to drive development forward for next season, when they plan on returning to the title scene.

“It’s good to get back to work,” said Wolff. “The summer break is important for everyone to take some well-deserved time off, but we’re racers and we love the thrill of competition.

“We return recharged and ready for the second half of the season. There is plenty to fight for and we won’t be letting up. We will push hard in the battle for second in the Constructors’ Championship. We will also be driving development forward for 2024. Those are challenges we are excited for, starting this weekend.”

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并在电路Zandvoort本周末公式1to get part two of F1 2023 underway, where Verstappen can equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine wins in a row with victory on home soil.

Understandably, the Dutch GP represents a part for the ‘Orange Army’ to celebrate their star driver, but it is an atmosphere and a track which Wolff very much enjoys.

“Zandvoort is a fantastic place to resume the season,” he declared. “It’s a challenging track with an old-school feel; banked corners and high-speed sections undulating through the dunes.

“There’s always an incredible atmosphere with the passionate Dutch fans and it’s always a fantastic celebration of our sport. I’m sure this year will be no different and I’m excited to get there.”

Mercedes are in a promising position to secure that P2 spot in theConstructors’where they currently reside, the margin over nearest challenger Aston Martin standing at 51 points.

Read next–F1 2023 title permutations: When can Max Verstappen win the World Championship?