Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has declared he is “optimistic” about Mercedes’ future in Formula 1 following victory at the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix. George Russell reached the top podium when taking advantage of the collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The pair teamed up as they battled for the top spot at the Red Bull Ring, giving Russell his second career win. Turning his attention to British Formula 1, Wolff hopes the team can continue to perform well on the track.

“We went to Silverstone with encouragement from the weekend in Austria,” Wolff said. “We took advantage of the opportunities that appeared to win. “We were running an honest third on the track, not too far behind the leading pair. When they tangled, we were there to take advantage. That’s thanks to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth in recent months. “Our incremental gains have brought us closer to the top and made us regular contenders for a podium position. Everyone is focused on maintaining that positive trajectory and putting themselves in the fight to win on a regular basis. We are optimistic that we can achieve this.

“The team has great energy and motivation and last weekend’s results further reinforced that.”
Mercedes’ form has improved after a slow start to the season which has seen the team ranked as the fourth fastest team in the division.

However, the team has achieved three podium finishes in the last three rounds, and Wolff hopes the British team can please their home crowd next weekend with another podium finish. “Speaking of this weekend, Silverstone feels like a home race for our team because it is close to both our technical centers in Brackley and Brixworth,” said Wolff. “It’s always great to see our team members at the factory in the stands. I’m sure England fans will also be out cheering the team, and Lewis and George; The atmosphere is special every year. “On the track, the battle at the front is very intense. We will have to do our best to challenge for the podium once again. “That is our goal and we are excited about the challenge.”