F1 News

Mercedes preparing for “demanding weekend” in Singapore

Mercedes preparing for “demanding weekend” in Singapore

17-09-2019 12:06

Bevan Youl

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is ready for a “demanding weekend” at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix, hoping to make improvements on recent performances under the lights.

Off the back of the Belgian and Italian GP’s Mercedes came away with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas switching second and third place on the podium behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
 
Wolff knew it would be a difficult couple of races but despite the podium finishes the team are “pushing hard for more victories”.
 
"We came back from the summer break knowing that the first two races would be difficult for us,” he said.

"We ended up with two double podiums and 67 points which was a strong form of damage limitation and more than we expected.

"However, you could tell in the debriefs that Spa and Monza left us not satisfied and everyone in Brixworth and Brackley is pushing hard for more victories.”

The Singapore GP is one the few on the Formula 1 calendar taking place at night under lights and sometimes high temperatures, making it a tough weekend for teams and drivers due to the change in schedule and heat.

Mercedes had previously struggled in the past in Singapore but have made progress the past few years, hoping to do the same this year.

"The next race takes us to Singapore, a spectacular night race and a great showcase for our sport,” Wolff added.

"The offset schedule and the climate make it a demanding weekend for the team; temperatures in the garage can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius or more with high humidity levels as well.

"It's a tough environment to work in and it's equally challenging for the drivers and the car itself.

"For a long time, Singapore used to be one of our weakest tracks, but we've made some inroads into that and performed well last year.

"However, there are no home runs at a track like Singapore: we need to understand this car and this year's tyres on a very particular track layout and take absolutely nothing for granted in our approach to the weekend.

"We are looking forward to a tough battle under the lights in Singapore."