Mercedes will be competitive in Singapore, according to Wolff
Toto Wolff, the boss of the team, ensures that his cars are comfortable on circuits requiring a lot of grip. This is indeed one of the characteristics of the city-state's layout.
Mercedes hasn’t stepped on the podium since Silverstone. That’s two months without a podium finish. However, the team has shown some promising things and that they can be competitive. Like at Monza, where Lewis Hamilton managed to surpass the difficult-to-overtake Alex Albon, despite his top speed.
On this circuit where straight-line speed was the most important, Toto Wolff’s men came back with the 5th and 6th positions, even though it’s not the W14’s strong suit. In Singapore, the next race of the season, it’s more about grip that takes precedence. One of Mercedes’ strengths.
A modified track
« Singapore is a unique challenge for every team. The hot and humid conditions are tough for the drivers, team members, and cars. The track is bumpy, and the layout has been modified this year. This should make the lap smoother and slightly easier on the tires », Toto Wolff, the team boss, explains.
« The competition with our closest competitors is incredibly tight. It is difficult to predict how the order will evolve each weekend. However, we are generally stronger on high-grip circuits, so we hope to be competitive. »
The ten teams will have to discover a modified track since four corners of the last sector have been removed due to construction work. Therefore, the two chicanes passing under the grandstand, along the riverbank, have been removed. A straighter section will take their place.
This will reduce the distance of the circuit by a few meters, as well as the duration of the lap. However, in the race, there will be one more lap to cover.
