Wolff no longer expects major fluctuations in title race with Red Bull

Monza and Sochi are traditionally circuits where Mercedes performs well every year. So it must have been slightly irritating for Lewis Hamilton to see Max Verstappen's RB16B parked next to him in Russia. Mercedes could have been closing in on Red Bull Racing in the battle for the championship, but the reality is that the difference between Hamilton and Verstappen is just two points.

Past results...

With seven races to go it is still very tense in the battle for the World Championship title. Especially considering the fact that they again travel to circuits that should suit the Austrian racing team better than Mercedes. These include the Brazilian, Mexican and American Grand Prix's where Verstappen's team usually performs well.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is not letting past results throw him off course, however, letting it be known opposite Formule1.nl: "I stopped to look at whether historically a good circuit awaits us or not. Because with the new rules this year, it's all different." Wolff also indicated that he doesn't expect too big a fluctuation in performance between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.

Long breath

Wolff is still pugnacious. Mercedes had expected to score more in the last couple of races, but that doesn't mean Red Bull Racing is going to win in the coming races. The Mercedes team boss doesn't expect Lewis Hamilton to be able to show off his world title already in Mexico : "The difference in points is too small for that. This will be a battle of the long haul."