Racing Series 1 - Mercedes displays modesty following pole position; acknowledges Verstappen's prowess
Following George Russell's unexpected pole position for Mercedes in Formula 1 racing during the night event in Canada (8 p.m./Sky), the team is concerned about Red Bull's world champion Max Verstappen.
Toto Wolff, team boss, expressed his concern to Sky in Montreal, saying, "We're moving in the right direction, and we have the speed. However, seeing Verstappen right next to us makes a strong statement." Timo Glock, a former Formula 1 driver and Sky expert, isn't convinced by Mercedes' abilities: "They're on a level to win the race."
Russell and Verstappen recorded identical lap times in qualifying, with the former taking the top spot due to an earlier better performance. "It's a perfect result," remarked Wolff (52), despite his mixed feelings. "I'm delighted for George, but we didn't quite nail it with Lewis - and we're not sure why."
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and former leader, also faced some challenges and ended up in seventh place. While it represented progress for the team after a rocky start to the season, Wolff remains cautious, acknowledging recent improvements. "We've made significant updates to our car with several new parts in recent races."
Additionally, Wolff attributes the team's strong performance in Canada to the track with fresh asphalt, which has been pleasant for Mercedes in the past. "A single swallow doesn't make a summer, but we're happy with today." The conditions may change during the Grand Prix, according to Wolff's prediction, adding, "The weather can still surprise us."
Weather-wise, Friday had witnessed a storm and hail, and the ninth-season race might see even heavier rainfall, as per weather predictions.
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- Despite George Russell's impressive pole position in Formula 1 during the GP Canada in Montreal, Mercedes-Benz remains wary of Red Bull's Formula 1 World Champion, Max Verstappen, whom they see as a formidable competitor.
- Sky Sports analyst Timo Glock, a former Formula 1 driver, believes that Russell and Mercedes have what it takes to win the race, but he's not fully convinced by their capabilities.
- In the qualification session, both Russell and Verstappen matched each other's lap times, with Russell securing first place due to an earlier superior performance.
- Toto Wolff, the team principal for Mercedes-Benz, expressed his satisfaction with Russell's performance but noted that they didn't optimally utilize Lewis Hamilton's potential.
- Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, faced challenges during qualification and ended up in seventh place, which still represents progress for the team.
- The track's fresh asphalt is beneficial for Mercedes-Benz in motorsport, as the team has recorded positive results on similar tracks in the past.
- Unfavorable weather conditions might affect the Grand Prix, with heavy rain predicted based on previous weather forecasts.
- Mercedes-Benz has made significant improvements to their car, incorporating several new parts in recent races, and team principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming Formula 1 race.
