Merc prepares for Montreal fightback
After being humbled by Ferrari in Monaco, Hamilton and Bottas seek better fortunes
MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff has tipped his team to fight back in this weekend’s Canadian Formula One Grand Prix after its punishing defeat last time out in Monaco.
The Silver Arrows struggled throughout the Monte Carlo meeting, with Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton ultimately finishing fourth and seventh – the first time in 22 races the team failed to make the podium.
But while he concedes that Ferrari must now be considered title favourite, Wolff insists Mercedes have the experience and know-how to recover quickly.
Wolff added that while Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve may not be the ideal match for Mercedes’ F1 W08 car, their drivers’ affinity with the track should at least compensate in part. He also insisted the team will continue to let Hamilton and Bottas race as rivals.
Mercedes have won the last two Canadian Grands Prix, both with Hamilton at the wheel. Ferrari’s last Montreal victory was for Michael Schumacher in 2004, but Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen head there as potential favourites after their one-two for Ferrari in Monaco.
Vettel leads the driver standings on 129 points, ahead of Hamilton (104), Bottas (75) and Raikkonen (67).