Toto Wolff claims Max Verstappen and Lando Norris “one step ahead” of the entire F1 grid

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have been operating at an extremely high level this year.

Toto Wolff claims Max Verstappen and Lando Norris “one step ahead” of the entire F1 grid

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has continued to score impressive results despite Red Bull’s struggling pace in recent times. The Dutchman has scored multiple race wins and was on the brink of winning the Austrian GP as well. As a result, the 26-year-old continues to receive applause from everyone on the grid. Toto Wolff reckoned that the reigning world champion was a step ahead of his rivals alongside Lando Norris.

The Brit and Max Verstappen‘s crash at the Austrian GP caused the latter to lose out on the race lead. Verstappen still showcased a resilient attitude and finished in P5 after receiving a ten-second time penalty. However, even Norris was extremely dominant at his outing in Austria. Hence, Toto Wolff reckoned that these two drivers were one step ahead of the entire F1 grid.

At the moment Lando and Max are one step ahead of everyone.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by formulapassion.it.
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Mercedes on the other hand has just started to score improving results compared to the season’s start. Hence, Wolff added that Brackley was pushing to add multiple upgrades to the W15. Additionally, the team principal noted the Silver Arrows’ hard work to score better results in the recent few races. Toto Wolff also recalled that George Russell was 15 seconds behind the race leader during the incident.

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We are pushing to bring new things to the car. George and Lewis are doing their best. Before the accident we were 15 seconds behind.
Toto Wolff added.

Toto Wolff claimed Max Verstappen ‘pushes the rules’ as much as it allows him

Max Verstappen is often racing hard and pushing the rules’ boundaries to gain any advantage. Hence, the Dutchman has been the reason for multiple rule changes in F1 in the past. Upon this, Wolff sided with the 26-year-old and said he drove the way he drove. Additionally, the team principal reflected that Verstappen pushed the rules as much as they allowed him to.

Max drives the way he drives, He (Verstappen) is very hard and he pushes as much as the rules allow him.
Toto Wolff via Mundo Deportivo
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

However, this issue needed to be addressed quickly as other drivers could also adapt to this quality. Wolff added that this point was to be discussed as it applied to other drivers as well. The reason is that even other drivers on the grid were spotted pushing their luck with the rules and regulations while showcasing a fierce battle on the track.

And that just has to be discussed, but that applies to all drivers, because we also see with others.
Toto Wolff noted.

Mercedes has slowly started to pick the pace up and score better results over the race weekends. The team could possibly regain control over their position in the constructors’ championship. Additionally, Red Bull’s struggling pace could further enable the competition to bunch up at the forefront.

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