Wolff 'Relishes' Tight Constructors' Fight, Aims for Mexico Rebound

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal and CEO, is embracing the intense battle for P2 in the Constructors' Championship, a fight he believes will go down to the wire. Despite a challenging outing in Austin, where Ferrari and Red Bull significantly closed the gap, Wolff is confident Mercedes can bounce back strong in Mexico.

Why it matters:

After a disappointing result at the United States Grand Prix, Mercedes finds itself in a nail-biting, three-way contest for second place in the Constructors' Championship. With only 10 points separating P2, P3, and P4, every race, starting with Mexico, is crucial for Mercedes to secure a strong finish to the season and reaffirm their position among the top teams.

The Details:

• Tight Championship Standings: Just 10 points separate P2 from P4 in the Constructors' Championship with five races remaining. This indicates an exceptionally close fight involving Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing.
• Austin Setback: Mercedes had a 'poor result' in Austin, allowing rivals to gain significant ground, narrowing their lead in the Constructors' standings.
• Mexico's Unique Challenge: The Mexico City Grand Prix presents distinct difficulties due to its high altitude. This taxes both the brakes and power unit heavily, while the thin air necessitates a high downforce setup for optimal performance.
• Optimistic Outlook: Despite the technical challenges and recent performance, Wolff expresses hope for a 'strong showing' in Mexico, aiming for a better outcome than in Texas.
• Vesti's FP1 Opportunity: Reserve driver Frederik Vesti will participate in FP1, taking George Russell's spot. This marks Vesti's second rookie session of the year, and Wolff anticipates his valuable contribution to the team's program.

What's next:

Mercedes is now shifting its focus to the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 20th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team is determined to leverage its capabilities in this unique high-altitude environment to regain momentum and solidify its position in the Constructors' Championship. The fight for P2 is expected to intensify through to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, making each upcoming race a critical battleground.