Mercedes admit they are ‘not as fast as McLaren and Max Verstappen’ despite MONUMENTAL rise in 2024

The Silver Arrows have won three of the past four races, showcasing an exemplary change of fortunes from the start of the season.

Mercedes admit they are ‘not as fast as McLaren and Max Verstappen’ despite MONUMENTAL rise in 2024

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Mercedes Trackside Engineer Andrew Shovlin has downplayed the team’s stellar rise in form this season. The Silver Arrows have caught up to the likes of Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari after a slow start to the campaign.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the championship, winning seven races out of a possible 14. The Milton-Keynes outfit has been challenged and outpaced, particularly by McLaren, throughout the season.

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Shovlin has pinpointed that the W15 stuggles around circuits with hotter temperatures and shorter spans. He then went on to say that Mercedes still lacks greatly in these conditions, where Max Verstappen and McLaren currently excel.

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The weak points in hot conditions are the rear-limited circuits, where we are not as good as McLaren or Max . We saw that in Budapest and Austria. Our difference in race pace in Budapest was smaller, so we have made progress in these last races. If you look at Silverstone, on the other hand, we were competitive.
Andrew Shovlin via FormulaPassion.it

The 50-year-old cited examples of the team’s competency at Silverstone in comparison to their weaker stints at Budapest and Spielberg. The Silver Arrows will hereafter work on their shortfalls to deliver solid results after the summer break.

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli opens up on his relationship with Toto Wolff

F2 Prema Racing driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has shared an insight into his bond with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Kimi Antonelli is the prime prospect rumored for a move to the Brackley-based team in 2025.

Kimi Antonelli and Toto Wolff (images via IMAGO)
Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Toto Wolff (images via IMAGO)
I am also very happy with the relationship I have [with Wolff]. In difficult moments I ask him for advice and he always looks for a way to give me confidence. After the disappointing qualifying in Silverstone I called him because it was a bit of a tough time. We talked a lot and that conversation gave me back my confidence, and the next day I won and it was really nice to see him under the podium.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli via motorsport

Kimi Antonelli has regarded Toto Wolff as a supportive figure during tough moments of his career in Formula 2. He has further stated that Wolff’s advice has led him to perform well in light of his poor spells this season.

The Austrian boss has also been in praise of the 17-year-old’s talent and prowess while claiming his willingness to sign the Italian. The upcoming months will reveal if a move to Mercedes awaits Antonelli, who will look to continue his good spell in Formula 2.

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