Wolff: "I think Racing Point might come as a surprise"

It will be a big question for the teams next week who starts the season best. Toto Wolff expects the usual names, but also sees room for some surprises.

All those involved in Formula 1 are eager to finally start driving again. At the same time, the Austrian Grand Prix will be a whole new experience for the teams, with the measures in place against the coronavirus.

In any case, Toto Wolff thinks his team is well prepared for the changes. "I think we all know what we have to do. Protecting our staff and everyone present is the main priority. At the same time, it's a new experience; we've never been in this situation. If we can put on a good show on Saturday and Sunday, that will compensate for the strangeness", explains the team boss in the F1 Vodcast.

Eager to race

The top man of Mercedes only wonders where his team stands. "We travelled to Australia expecting it wouldn't be easy. You could see the eagerness of some teams to race because they felt they had a good car".

Yet Wolff doesn't fear a complete surprise in Austria. "I'm sure the usual names will be there. Maybe there'll be some outliers among them. I think Racing Point has a very strong car and they showed promising lap times during the winter test. I also have no doubt that Renault and McLaren will play a role. So we have to wait and see. I think we'll get a first indication on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday we'll really see who has the best package", Wolff concluded.