The Mercedes engine made anything but an impression in the third free practice session, but according to Toto Wolff that is no reason to panic. The team boss of the German racing team agrees that there is certainly still performance to be gained, but according to him the poorer performance also has to do with the layout of the Jeddah circuit.

Wolff is asked by Sky Sports prior to qualifying for the Saudi Grand Prix about the difference of almost a second, mainly caused by a lack of pace on the straights. "The difference of one second is not entirely due to the power source, but also to the track. Now we also have to see how we perform in qualifying. There will be some more, then we can evaluate the gap and where it comes from."

Mercedes the third team

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished 11th and 14th in the final practice session. However, Wolff thinks that will be different in qualifying Saturday night. "I think we are in a no man's land between the top two and the other teams. The picture could be different in qualifying if someone can do really well like Valtteri," he does allow for surprises.

Wolff argues that Mercedes "has work to do" to make the W13 faster. In Bahrain, Hamilton did manage a podium finish, but on its own it is virtually impossible for the Brackley-based team to compete for the medal of honor.