“It puts the fire under your ass”– Toto Wolff is all nervous about the Monaco Grand Prix, which is set to take place this weekend.
The Monaco Grand Prix will return after a gap of one year in the calendar, as the COVID-19 pandemic propelled Monaco to withdraw its participation in 2020.
Now, with the pandemic subsidizing in Europe, Monaco is ready to recall F1’s entourage, and Toto Wolff is all hyped about it as it calls a fire in the ass.
There’s really no race like it, and it was hugely missed last year. It’s such a unique, intense weekend for the drivers and the team, with no margin for error. It puts the fire under your ass, and we love the challenge.
“Monaco is a high downforce track and we know that’s a key strength of Red Bull. They were very quick in sector three in Spain and that’s often a good indication of strong performance in Monaco,” said Wolff.
“So, we head into the weekend knowing they are the team to beat, whilst also knowing we’ll face strong competition from some of the other teams, too. But, just like the season so far, we’re enjoying the hunt.”
Two years of Niki Lauda tribute
In 2019, Mercedes had a thumping win in Monaco with Lewis Hamilton taking away the victory, and the achievement was dedicated to Niki Lauda, who was instrumental to Mercedes’ success. Remembering that time, Wolff talked about having him in thoughts.
“The last time we were racing in Monaco was shortly after Niki’s passing,” reflected Wolff. “So, he won’t be far from our thoughts this year, either.”
Spain was perfect
Mercedes was amidst an intense battle against Red Bull, but things were different in Spain, as Mercedes arm-twisted Red Bull in the final phase of the race, Wolff called it the perfect weekend.
“The first couple of races have provided us with both wheel-to-wheel and strategic battles for victory,” enthused Wolff. “Spain was far from a perfect weekend for us, and there are lots of learnings to take forward.
“But nevertheless, to come back from a two-four on lap one and score a one-three was a very strong result and one we can be proud of as a team.”
