Wolff keeps a sharp eye on Red Bull: "Haven't shown it all yet"

During the first free practice of the season Mercedes almost as usual got the first two places. However, team boss Toto Wolff isn't entirely sure of the force majeure and is keeping a close eye on the competition during this weekend.

After more than four months of waiting, the Formula 1 season has finally started again, with just the first free practice session behind us. For the Mercedes team the first session of the season has been a good start: Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time, followed by Valtteri Bottas.

The team boss is certainly satisfied with the first free practice session. "Everyone in the paddock is still a bit rusty, with the exception of the drivers. I think we can be satisfied with the first training session. Everything worked out well and we now have to continue in this rhythm", says Wolff in conversation with ORF.

Teams won't show their cards

Still, the team boss is not yet convinced that it is going to be an easy weekend for the team. "Right from the start we looked at the lap times, but it's hard to estimate where you stand. No team is showing their cards."

"In terms of engine power, Red Bull Racing and Ferrari haven't shown everything yet. They also had more wings than our cars, so that makes it difficult to make an estimate," Wolff explains. Max Verstappen in particular will be a tough opponent this weekend, finishing third in the first free practice session, half a second behind Mercedes.