Toto Wolff claims Red Bull is ‘still the benchmark’ despite lackluster outings in last few Grand Prix 

Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff spoke on Red Bull standards still being the benchmarks in Formula 1 despite lackluster performances recently. The Austrian outfit struggled in the Monaco GP and was vulnerable to McLaren in the Imola round.

Toto Wolff claims that Mercedes had a huge improvement in the Monaco GP after showing convincing pace and promise during the practice sessions. But this was short-lived, as the team failed to perform in qualifying against the pace of McLaren and Ferrari.

The Woking-based team and Ferrari have come out on top with their latest development endeavors and are looking convincing enough to challenge for the drivers and constructors championships. However, Wolff claimed that Red Bull still remains the team to beat despite the dip in their performances compared to rival outfits.

It’s difficult to say. McLaren has made a really good step forwards, Ferrari has continued to improve and Red Bull has probably fallen back a little. Overall, they are still the benchmark.

Toto Wolff told PlanetF1

Mercedes has been struggling this season despite their recent advancements. The outfit still remains the fourth fastest team on the grid behind Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren. As the campaign progresses, the Brackley-based team will look to bridge the gap with the likes of Red Bull and McLaren if they wish to have a chance at fighting for podiums and wins.

Toto Wolff reacts to comments by Lewis Hamilton regarding qualifying

Toto Wolff shared his thoughts on the comments made by Lewis Hamilton regarding George Russell qualifying ahead of him in Monaco. Hamilton has been outpaced by Russell in qualifying in seven out of eight races this year.

All drivers [are] a bit sceptical at times. I think as a team, we’ve demonstrated that even in the most tense competitions between team mates, we are trying to always balance it right and be transparent and fair. I can understand as a driver, you want the best out of yourself and the team, [and] sometimes when it’s going against you, you can question it.

Toto Wolff said post the Monaco Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton earlier said that the upgrades to Russell’s car have helped him find more pace during qualifying. However, Wolff dismissed these comments by putting forward the will of the team to be fair and balanced for both drivers.

Mercedes has failed to score a podium this year and is currently in a bit of a no-man’s land in the championship. Keeping this in view, Wolff and co. will look to work on their car and find the pace they need moving forward in the standings.

In case you missed it:

• Helmut Marko claims Max Verstappen ‘took a step back’ to focus on racing during tensions at Red Bull over Christian Horner’s investigation saga
• Yuki Tsunoda needs to get out of Red Bull to save his F1 career

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