After two victories in a row, the Silver Arrows will have to make do with a much smaller goal on Sunday at the Hungaroring, and admit defeat to the overwhelming Formula 1 competition from customer team McLaren: But at least it’s enough for Lewis Hamilton to make it to the podium – and to finish ahead of Red Bull again…
“I’m not sure we were faster than Max today. We beat him on the track, but probably not on pure race pace,” explained team boss Toto Wolff after the race in Budapest.
But one thing is clear: the top spot was out of reach this time: “We have to acknowledge that McLaren is now clearly leading the field, under all conditions. That is the new benchmark,” said Wolff, praising the team of Andrea Stella and Zak Brown: “It’s great that there is another team that has made the leap and is capable of scoring one-two victories.”
Wolff believes: “This is good for all of us. But under these circumstances we were not at the level to stand up to them. But I am happy for them. And I have already seen the film in which they meet again.”
Things were completely different on Sunday for first-time winner Oscar Piastri, who can’t believe what a vehicle his team has given him: “Yes, it’s a beast at the moment,” the Australian rejoiced about his car: “Very fast, under all circumstances. We had it completely under control today.”
So McLaren has shown the way, and Mercedes would like to follow suit – and despite the recent upward trend, continue to add updates. However, it is currently difficult to set targets, including in terms of the World Championship, says Wolff, “because it swings from upgrade to upgrade. If we say what a realistic to optimal scenario is, then probably third place in the championship.”
“It’s difficult to catch up with Red Bull and McLaren are the ones being hunted now. That’s why I think P3 is the goal,” said Wolff, who does not want to judge the weekend negatively despite Lewis Hamilton’s slightly smaller trophy this time: “It’s only human that expectations are based on what you have just achieved,” he said, referring to the victories in Spielberg and Silverstone.
Wolff: “But it’s clear that Budapest, especially in the heat, with the asphalt, was never going to be really good for us. So to take home a hard-fought podium now is good… unfortunately we lost the race with George yesterday.” Despite being eliminated in Q1, the Briton is still able to finish eighth on Sunday after catching up.
Source: www.sport.de
