Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confessed that he never imagined matching the legendary milestone of F1 icon Sir Frank Williams after steering the Silver Arrows to their historic ninth constructors' world championship title.
The championship triumph was officially sealed following a chaotic and unpredictable Grand Prix Brasil at Interlagos, where wet-to-dry weather transitions caught out numerous drivers. Lando Norris claimed victory for McLaren ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Mercedes salvaged crucial points through gritty drives.
George Russell fought back brilliantly after starting seventh due to a grid penalty and surviving a spin in the pit lane exit during the tricky tyre crossover phase, ultimately crossing the line in fourth place. Meanwhile, rising Italian star Kimi Antonelli also endured a challenging afternoon marked by two spins while running near the front due to tyre temperature struggles, yet managed to salvage fifth place at the checkered flag.
Although the race marked Mercedes' first Grand Prix weekend of the season without a podium finish, the points haul effectively put the championship mathematically out of Ferrari's reach with three rounds remaining on the calendar. Reflecting on drawing level with Williams in the all-time team principal standings, Wolff expressed profound humility and awe.
"Frank is such an unbelievable icon of the sport, and to be tied on constructors' championships, I never thought that was ever possible," Wolff told Sky Sports F1. "I had a close relationship with Frank, and to be there, it's amazing. I can't believe it."
Looking back at the trajectory of the campaign that delivered Mercedes' first constructors' crown since their dominant era from 2014 to 2021, Wolff credited the relentless resilience embedded within the team's factory structure.
"It was a very strong beginning of the season, and that got us over the line. These last few races, there have been some challenging times," Wolff concluded. "Today, it was difficult, but overall, I'm so proud of the organisation and the great people we have."
Read Also
Simak ulasan lengkap perjuangan sengit Liam Lawson di GP Brasil dan analisis performa Racing Bulls. Baca selengkapnya di sini!
Collin Veijer sesalkan kesalahan rem di Tikungan 1 Qatar. Simak analisis lengkap, update klasemen, dan persiapan menuju seri berikutnya di sini.
Lewis Hamilton ungkap penyebab miskomunikasi radio dengan Ferrari di GP Brasil yang berujung kesalahan strategi. Simak analisis mendalam di sini.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!