Mercedes has looked on the back foot since the 2021 challengers hit the track in Bahrain for testing earlier this month and it was confirmed in qualifying yesterday as Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to pole position by almost 0.4s. 

Speaking to the media following qualifying, including MotorLat, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff explained that they’re losing time in the engine department due to derating and problems with their energy recovery.  

“I think we're losing on the high speed,” Wolff said. “We can clearly see there's a deficit. 

“We're losing a little bit on the engine side in terms of derates. We are not yet in a happy place with our energy recovery. But it's not one single point where we can say this is a big gap.” 

Wolff also praised Honda for the job they’ve done over the winter before they depart the sport at the end of 2021. Yesterday was the first time since 1991 that a Honda-powered car secured pole position at the season-opening event.  

“Honda has done a great job," said Wolff. "They have delivered the power unit which is extremely competitive - look at where AlphaTauri is - and we just have to take it as sportsmen. 

“You just have to say they've done a really good job, full stop. There is just no other solution than to recover. And I believe that on the derates that you see, this is something that we just need to get on top of. That is not easy, but we'll get there. 

“I think Honda is a very proud company and I was convinced they would give all the power to have a great power unit in the final year as a works team,’’ added Wolff. 

“And I think they left no stone unturned, and no resource unutilised, to finish the job properly, so it's good motivation for us and I'm happy for them.