Wolff says Red Bull the new 'benchmark' now in F1
Apr.9 - Toto Wolff thinks Red Bull and Max Verstappen are "the benchmark" in Formula 1 now.
Ferrari has gotten its new era with the revolutionary 2022 rules off to a flying start, but after fighting so hard for the 2021 title, Mercedes' Wolff thinks Red Bull is in the best situation with its new car.
"If Red Bull is still losing weight, they are the benchmark," he told Kronen Zeitung.
The Austrian also told De Telegraaf newspaper that last year "was not Max's last title".
"Regardless of the discussions that have gone on, I have a lot of respect for him and also for his father Jos," Wolff insisted.
Mercedes, on the other hand, has had to accept that its utter dominance of the former rules era between 2014 and 2021 is now over.
When asked what the strategy for Melbourne will be, Wolff said: "We will try some things again without expecting to be a second faster."
Some think Mercedes' biggest problem is the engine, or the new E10 fuel, but Wolff says the most work is being put into solving extreme 'porpoising'.
"We underestimated the aero effect of the underbody and are now trying to solve that without going the obvious route," he said.
"The easiest thing would be to make the floor stiffer. But we believe we can maintain the aerodynamic performance without that.
"Since the extremely high speeds cannot be tested in the simulator, this has to be learned on the track. We're getting closer step by step, but the others aren't asleep.
"And they already understood this problem in February."
Wolff refuses to admit that Lewis Hamilton may not win a single grand prix in 2022, even if he admits that it will be "difficult to catch up".
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland: "The update they need will have to be huge.
"And the problem with that is that you can't test it. That's why it will take them a long time."
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Did the totster clear this interview with the knight?
I don't know about that , but Merc will be fine with a big update , if they apply the same effort for car updates as they do major bullshit upgrades...
A predict a falling out in the Merc camp before season end, with Lewis doing a Montoya and leaving in tears midseason
Nice to see a balanced field emerging, not nearly as one-sided (in Mercedes favor) as it has been for some years. Nevertheless, I'm sure Hamilton- a very talented driver, with or without a great car, will be right up front, when Mercedes gets their car design right. Honest competition is what's been missing, but hopefully no more, for now. Re DRS, I hope it goes away altogether. A real drag itself, so to speak...
As for me, I really enjoy hearing the Italian National Anthem from the podium...
Well, today's race may put a hole in this discussion.
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