F1 News
Wolff points to 'open-minded' strategy for strong Mercedes qualifying
A smile has returned to Toto Wolff's face after Mercedes' strong result in qualifying. They were unable to challenge Max Verstappen but took a shock front row with George Russell securing P2. Lewis Hamilton will line up behind in P3.
It's been a frustrating start to the season for Mercedes. It seemed as if they had another year in the wilderness, but this result in Australia provides a little bit of positive energy. Team boss Wolff says: "She [the car] was nice".
Explanation
All the teams opted for a unqiue strategy during qualifying. Usually, drivers get one push lap with a set of tyres before they are finished. But in Melbourne, the drivers could keep running multiple laps to get heat into the tyres. With more heat came more grip. Mercedes noticed this and changed their strategy as the track evolved.
"We just got it together. Grinding away, putting performance on the car in terms of the right mechanical setup. I think we learnt through the session, we've been open-minded. Changed the plan, from the third and fourth push lap, to the second and then only one prep lap," Wolff told Sky Sports.
"I think it is good starting second and third. Been awhile since we had no one in front of our line in P2. Really to just to make the best of it. Verstappen is in a league of his own but maybe we can slot in. We needed a little bit of happiness," he added.