Mercedes are in the midst of their worst start to a Formula 1 season in recent memory, with their W13 not delivering the same pace and drivability as the challengers put forward by Red Bull and Ferrari. Their eye-catching sidepodless design made headlines during testing but has failed to set the timing screens alight thus far.

Despite the team's struggles, reliability issues for Red Bull in both Bahrain and Melbourne as well as driving errors from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in the Australian Grand Prix has allowed the Brackley based outfit to capitalise and score two podium finishes from the opening three races. 

The Australian Grand Prix in particular was a positive weekend for the team, with George Russell managing a P3 finish ahead of Lewis Hamilton, tallying enough points to put Mercedes second in the constructors’ championship standings, an impressive feat considering their performance deficit.

“We are leaving Melbourne in a better state than when we arrived”  Wolff said after the race.. “- more lessons learned, more data to analyse and more points on the board.”

Catching a quick debrief with @GeorgeRussell63 after his first podium with the Team ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DatCJFPtQp

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 10, 2022

Wolff continued to praise the hard work of everyone in the team as they work to regain the pace which they have lost in comparison to those around them - a known quality of the eight-time constructors’ champions.

“Clearly we haven't got the pace yet to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull, but we know where we need to seek performance. One factor that leaves me very optimistic for the future is the mindset and strength of the team.

“Everyone in the UK, in Stuttgart and in the travelling race team is pulling together every ounce of effort we have to tackle the performance gaps with determination and a deep hunger.”

Another positive aspect, according to Wolff, is the solid performances from both Hamilton and Russell so far this year. Wolff praised his drivers’ ability to work together for the good of the team, citing it as a clear example of Mercedes’ spirit.

“Seeing Lewis [Hamilton] and George [Russell] perform at an exceptionally high level today, with a tool that is clearly not on the pace of the leaders, is another example of the spirit of this team,” Wolff said.

“We are optimistic yet realistic on the timeline for improvement and the advantage our competitors have, but P3 and P4 helps us leave Australia with a good feeling.

“Both drivers deserved the podium today, Lewis was unlucky with the timing of the Safety Car but the partnership between the two and how they work with one another epitomises the overall spirit of the team.”