Mercedes boss excited for driver to win the title in Las Vegas

20:30, 18 Nov

byDrew Murphy

Toto Wolff is excited to return to Las Vegas and see repeat success in Formula 1 and a possible championship win in the F1 Academy.

Last time out, George Russell was victorious in Sin City as he led a Mercedes one-two with former teammate Lewis Hamilton.

This season, the German team can cement itself in P2 in the Constructors’ Championship, a vast improvement from their P4 finish last season.

george-russell-mercedes--las-vegas-gp-f1-1

George Russell last time out in Las Vegas. Photo: RacePictures.

Mercedes team principal Wolff understands the importance of the fast street circuit and how their season can be capped off with a good performance in Las Vegas.

He said: “On track, we've re-established our advantage in the battle for P2. We are not taking anything for granted though.

“We saw across Austin and Mexico just how quickly that gap can disappear, and whilst our performance last year in Las Vegas may have raised expectations externally for this weekend, we are not getting carried away.

“The field is incredibly competitive, and it is going to be a battle right until the bitter end in Abu Dhabi.

“We have three weeks of hard racing ahead to decide who comes out on top and we are ready to get going."

The thrill of racing in Las Vegas

Wolff is eager to return to Las Vegas and hailed it as one of Formula 1's iconic races.

He said: “The Las Vegas weekend is unlike anything else in F1.

“Racing down the Strip at night has already become an iconic part of the calendar, with the high-speed layout proving an interesting challenge and providing great racing.

“It has drawn in both existing and new fans to our sport, and I am sure will continue to do so for many years to come.

“The first two editions were spectacular, and I am sure this year will be even bigger and better."

Doriane Pin. Photo: RacePictures

Hoping for junior driver success

A driver’s title Mercedes is in the running for is the F1 Academy title, as Doriane Pin leads Ferrari’s Maya Weug by 9 points heading into the final race weekend.

Wolff is hopeful the 2024 runner-up will get over the line for Mercedes this time around.

He said: “One championship will definitely be decided this weekend. Doriane heads to Las Vegas leading the F1 Academy standings; it has been a brilliant battle between her and Maya (Weug) of Ferrari all season long.

“Either one will be a deserving champion, but we will, of course, be cheering our junior driver on as she looks to finish the job and end her time in the series with the ultimate success.”

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.