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“Maybe We’ll Cancel the Race”: Toto Wolff Quips About Projected ‘Tough Race’ in Qatar

Somin Bhattacharjee
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F1 Team Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff walks in the paddock during The F1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22, 2024

Mercedes entered the 2024 Las Vegas GP with cautious optimism about their chances of winning and came out with a 1-2 finish. But can the Silver Arrows follow it up with another stellar outing next weekend in Qatar? Toto Wolff doesn’t think so.

The Mercedes Team Principal spoke about the conditions in Las Vegas suiting the W15. The temperatures went down below 50ºF, which for most teams meant struggles with heating up the tires and getting the grip.

For Mercedes, however, it was perfect. The colder weather suited their tires more, which in turn helped George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to drive flawlessly.

“George managed it the whole time. I think he was twelve seconds ahead before Lewis charged,” Wolff said to ORF after the race.

However, the weather in Lusail, Qatar, will not be nearly as cold as it was in Las Vegas. As of now, the lowest temperature forecasted for the weekend is 64ºF, which will bring other players into the game.

Wolff expects a difficult outing in the penultimate race of the 2024 campaign, which is why he quipped, “Maybe we’ll cancel the race.” Mercedes, however, would definitely not give up.

The Brackley-based team’s season has been full of inconsistencies, but their performance in Las Vegas showed what they are capable of when things work in their favor. It will also be Hamilton’s second-last race for the team, and after a P2 finish in Las Vegas, the 39-year-old would be itching to sign off with a victory.

Mercedes are out of reach in the Constructors’ Championship title as they are 130 points behind third-placed Red Bull. So, in terms of prize money, there isn’t a lot to play for. However, to build up confidence for 2025, a strong end to the season could be pivotal.

Post Edited By:Vidit Dhawan

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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