Mercedes just pulled off an incredible 1-2 finish in Las Vegas, and team boss Toto Wolff thinks they might just do it again in Qatar.
George Russell dominated from pole position while Lewis Hamilton charged through the field from 10th place to grab second. It was Mercedes’ 60th 1-2 finish in Formula 1 history.
“The team did a great job across all three days in Vegas,” Wolff said. “We were quick throughout and executed perfectly on Saturday night.”
Russell’s control of the race particularly impressed his boss.
“George controlled everything from the front and had plenty of pace in reserve,” Wolff explained. “And Lewis? His comeback drive from P10 was just stellar.”
But Qatar’s going to be a whole different challenge.
While Vegas was all about cold temperatures and slow corners, Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit is known for its blazing heat and high-speed sections. It’s basically the opposite of what Mercedes just mastered in Nevada.
Still, Wolff’s feeling optimistic.
“The W15 has actually been pretty strong at tracks with lots of high-speed corners, like Silverstone and Spa,” he said. “Sure, the cold helped us in Vegas, but Qatar’s layout might actually suit our car better.”
Mercedes is sitting comfortably in fourth place in the constructor’s standings with 425 points. While catching Red Bull’s 555 points isn’t realistic, the team’s eager to end 2023 on a high note.
Two races left. Two more chances for victory. And after Vegas, Mercedes is looking more dangerous than they have all season.
