Toto Wolff felt that Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team used a “Get out of Jail Free Card” during the Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna Weekend when they left Italy, still at the top of both championships.
Lewis Hamilton scored second at Imola despite facing the barrier in the middle of the race. The Briton also did the fastest lap and scored a bonus point to keep one step ahead of himself Red Bull Racing‘s Max Verstappen in the driver standings.
Teammate Valtteri Bottas had a nightmare weekend, only qualified eighth and then crashed in a serious accident Williams Racing‘s George Russell while the duo fought for minor points.
Wolff, the head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, says the team is facing a challenging season in 2021, especially with the challenge that Red Bull presented in the first two races.
“Imola was a crazy race and a kind of Grand Prix that will be remembered for a long time: There were so many ups and downs and there were some moments when we felt we weren’t getting any points,” said Wolff. “It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions, from the disappointment of Valtteri’s frightening accident to the thrill of Lewis’ recovery campaign.
“Running both championships almost felt like a free ticket because our rivals didn’t maximize the opportunity we were giving them. And it just shows what a challenging season we have ahead of us and how quickly things can change in Formula 1. “
Mercedes took first and second place last year Portuguese Grand Prix In the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, but Wolff expects another close fight with Red Bull this year. He doesn’t think so either Scuderia Ferrarinor the McLaren F1 Team will be far away.
“Last year was our first race in Portimão,” said Wolff. “It’s an exciting, undulating track that had great races in 2020. We also saw in qualifying and the first few laps that it is not easy to get the tires running properly.
“It’s still a pretty new track for everyone, which should make things interesting and mean we learn all weekend.
“We expect another close battle with Red Bull and both McLaren and Ferrari could be there too. Let’s see how things develop in Portugal. “
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