Toto Wolff is very satisfied with Mercedes’ result in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite a problem for George Russell, both drivers start from the front row. Andrea Kimi Antonelli also secured pole position, becoming the youngest polesitter ever in Formula 1. “You can’t do better than this,” said Wolff.
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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff looks back on a strong qualifying session for Kimi Antonelli and George Russell – who still finished second despite a problem. This gives Mercedes the entire front row for the race in Shanghai. “This is great. We have both cars on the front row and Kimi is the youngest polesitter ever,” Wolff said in the paddock in China.
‘Good enough to win’
During the third part of qualifying, Russell’s car came to a standstill on the track. Ultimately, the Brit still managed to set the second-fastest time after the mechanics resolved the issue. “It seems to be an electrical problem. It was actually just like an iPhone: turn it off, turn it on – the third time it worked again. I initially thought he wouldn’t be able to drive anymore, but to my surprise, he was still able to complete a lap,” said Wolff.
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Despite the problem, the Austrian looks back on a strong qualifying session. “It was a shame we had a problem with George’s car, but we still have two cars at the front. You can’t do better than this.” On the other hand, Antonelli was able to drive to a pole position. The first of his career and also the youngest polesitter ever. “Many said he was too young, also for Mercedes, and that we should have prepared him differently. But he did well today.
‘Putting under pressure’
After Mercedes’ dominance in Melbourne, the gap to the competition seems to have narrowed slightly. Lewis Hamilton qualified third and was only three-tenths behind Antonelli. Nevertheless, Wolff looks forward to the race with confidence. “I think we have a fast car that is good enough to win. We just need to make sure we have a good start. Ferrari will certainly put us under pressure, especially in the opening phase. So we have to do everything right, but it certainly promises to be entertaining,” said the Mercedes team principal. According to Wolff, there will even be extra practice on the start. “Antonelli is going to practice the start some more in the simulator,” the Austrian joked.
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