Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is hoping that the Silver Arrows’ performance this weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix will give the side something to “build” from, with the Germans set to introduce their new concept at the Circuit de Monaco.
The new concept of the W14 wasn’t meant to be introduced this weekend, with it having initially been scheduled for last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
With the event having been cancelled due to horrific flooding, Mercedes have decided to push on with their new concept in Monaco, rather than next weekend at the more conventional Spanish Grand Prix.
With the Emilia-Romagna region having been devastated by flooding and torrential rainfall, Wolff was quick to show his support for those still impacted in the area, ahead of this weekend.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“Following the cancellation of the race in Imola, our thoughts are still with the people of the Emilia-Romagna region that have been affected by the terrible flooding,” said Wolff in Mercedes’ Monaco preview.
“We have been saddened by the images but inspired by the rescue work of the emergency services and the resilience shown by the communities.
“We look forward to returning to Imola in happier circumstances next year.”
The key differences on the W14 in Monaco will be completely new front suspension and redesigned sidepods, with the ‘zero-sidepods’ having finally been scrapped.
Whilst Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be hoping for a dramatic improvement this weekend, Wolff is aware that the new concept won’t be a “silver bullet”, with the aim instead being to identify whether the outfit are finally on the correct path moving forward.
“The revised calendar means that Monaco is now the starting point of the European leg of the season,” added Wolff.
“It is a unique event but will still provide an opportunity to learn about the upgrades to W14 – but we also need to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from this one event.
READ: F1 CEO breaks silence on Lewis Hamilton retirement rumours
“We are introducing the first step in a new development direction.
“It won’t be a silver bullet; from my experience, they do not exist in our sport. We hope that it gives the drivers a more stable and predictable platform. Then we can build on that in the weeks and months ahead.
“F1 is tough competition and a meritocracy. We are not where we want to be but there’s no sense of entitlement. It’s just about hard work to get us to the front.”