“You simply take a chainsaw and cut the rear wing to bits”: Toto Wolff reveals what Mercedes will do to improve car performance at the Saudi Arabian GP

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Lewis Hamilton got Mercedes a podium finish in Bahrain, but Toto Wolff admits that they have a lot to work on ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP.

Hamilton and George Russell’s Bahrain GP were quiet to say the least. The Mercedes cars didn’t match the Red Bull’ or Ferrari’s pace all weekend long, and they started the race with a ‘damage limitation’ mindset.

However, Red Bull’s late race misfortune played to the Silver Arrows’ advantage. Max Verstappen had to retire his car due to a fuel pump issue, and Sergio Perez spun on the very last lap after which he too retired (for the same reason as Verstappen’s).

Hamilton, who was right behind the Mexican, pounced on his opportunity, and took home an unexpected third place finish. Despite of their podium success, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insists they have to work harder.

One of the main problems for the German team has been their porpoising problem. It’s been plaguing their performance for far too long, and Wolff wants to put and end to it ahead of the next race.

The W13 is also very slow on the straights. Neither Hamilton, nor Russell, were able to break into the top 14 on the speed trap.

Also read: FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem reveals Michael Masi got fired to remove pressure on him

Mercedes cars are probably over-winged, says Toto Wolff

The F1 season is now well and truly underway, and we’re just five days away from seeing the cars on track again. This time, they travel to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, which is the fastest street-circuit on the calendar.

The fast nature of the track in Jeddah, means that Mercedes have to find a solution that improves their straight line speed.

“It’s easier to shed drag off the car,” Wolff said to Sky Sports. “Because you simply take a chainsaw and cut the rear wing to bits and so that is what we will be doing for Jeddah.”

“I think we were probably over-winged. We had too much drag and that is just because we are lacking parts at the moment and hopefully we can remedy that.”

“It is half or a little bit more maybe of the top speed advantage. But we need to really leave no stone unturned on the power unit side,” the Austrian concluded.

Also read: Lewis Hamilton praises Ferrari on their redemption win in Bahrain

Post Edited By: Somin Bhattacharjee
Bahrain GP George Russell Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Red Bull Saudi Arabian GP Toto Wolff

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Somin Bhattacharjee

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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