Wolff says 2019 clean sweep 'not realistic'
Toto Wolff has played down the notion that Mercedes could win every single grand prix in 2019.
So far, the dominant German team is on track, with Lewis Hamilton winning four races and an on-form Valtteri Bottas the other two.
Wolff, the team boss, backed Bottas to keep impressing in 2019, even though he was disappointed to finish just third in Monaco.
"This year's Valteri knows that he will recover and arrive in Montreal better than ever," he said.
But as for the idea that Mercedes could win all 21 grands prix this year, Wolff played that down.
"No, it's not realistic to think about that," he said.
"We should stay humble and with both feet on the ground, and I'm not just saying that, it's really the mentality we have."
Christian Horner, boss of the Red Bull team, agrees with that.
"I doubt it," he answered when asked if Mercedes can do the unprecedented clean sweep.
"Never say never, but it would be a great achievement. What is certain is that this is a Mercedes championship. They may be very close to maximum points."
Dr Helmut Marko, Horner's Red Bull colleague, thinks Canada in two weeks could be a good chance for Ferrari.
"In terms of power, Ferrari will be more involved again there," he said.
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JUST WHAT THIS BORING SPORT NEEDS IS MORE BORING
That is certainly possible but we all hope it dos not happen because very few would be interested in watching F1 next year and we need to see some excitement and unpredictability in this sport. So far it has been disappointing and less enjoyable season for true F1 followers as Mercedes has only been challenged by themselves and the rest have been under the Mercedes's spell . I trust that things will turn around in Canada and we see Ferrari reborn and Vettel repeat his win from last season.
The more we wish that the things change the less likely is that going to happen. Wolff's latest statement is an updated version of his "oh, poor us chickens, Ferrari are so uncatchable" whine.
The season is barely one quarter in and it's already crushingly boring.
PS I actually give credence to the latest rumor that Vettel may call it quits at the end of the season.
Simon, I do have a feeling that Vettel might quit Ferrari as he seems to be tired of trying to catch up the Mercs. and he can not see himself winning any races this year and it is so disheartening for everybody in the team as well as for the Vettel's followers like myself, although Seb tries his best not to reveal his real feelings and stands with the team who is not able to give him a car that can beat the Mercedes. In spite of everything, he can make us laugh with his witty comments like no other current drivers which makes it a bit easier to bear lack of winning any races so far.I just wonder if somebody put a curse on Ferrari as nothing seems to work for them no matter what they try to do ?
Yes, it certainly feels like the fix is in.
I really hope that he stays and that Ferrari get on top of their car. Sebastian is one of those drivers that I enjoy listening to when he's interviewed.
Seb seems a thoroughly decent bloke and I personally thought that he had a good race in Monaco but it's hard to see past Mercedes this season and that is clear to him.
I agree that he is down at the moment. His form has been too sporadic in the last couple of years and he knows that last years car (and to a lesser extent 2017's) was likely to have been the one that took him to his Fifth WDC but that team errors and several too many of his own put paid to that. I'd guess he would be looking at this years car and saying to himself that no matter how well he drives from here on in the car and the team aren't up to it this year and that is a worry.
I can even see RBR out developing the Ferrari team this year if they are not careful.
And personally speaking and whilst I rate Alonso as a driver I could see the Spaniard back in a Ferrari if Seb left and I think that he's had his time and should let others have a time in the lime-light.
If one were to award the prize for being a gentleman, on the current grid, Vettel deserves it hands down. Many other drivers' supporters think it their duty, and a right, to be dumping on Vettel.
Almost all comments about Vettel are about his mental state.
Why does he really need this?
He has 4 titles, reasonable resources and a presence of mind to simply say: here guys, you go for it, I had enough.
Not altogether unlike Rosberg.
As for Alonso I make no secret of disliking him, as many other posters here do. He may be a good driver but as a person he sucks. It could be argued that his constant whining and smart Alec barbs while driving Honda powered car alienated just about everybody. Honda is now doing quite well at both RBR and STR. He seems to treat the work on the car development to be a nuisance on his way to the title. I highly doubt that Ferrari would have him back.
I too think there could be something in this story. I much prefer F1 with Vettel in it but could certainly see why he might decide that life is too short and take time out to do something new with his life. Similarly, I actually admire Rosbergs decision to leave F1 when he did and unlike very many posters I rated him highly as a driver.
In terms of Alonso, I recognise his brilliance but I have reservations over his previous questionable behaviour on at least a couple of occasions that makes me believe that he's better where he is. And if he's gone there is less reason for Briatore to be around the Paddock.
F1 is very cut-throat and drivers get spat out very easily, so it's nice to have the decision to leave in your own hands. Selfishly I'd like him to stay and get his mojo back but would understand it if he didn't.