Wolff eyes Mercedes fightback at Monza after mixed Zandvoort weekend

10:32, 03 Sep

Updated: 12:17, 03 Sep

byTobia Elia

Toto Wolff introduced Mercedes’ Monza weekend by reflecting on the final result at Zandvoort and turning particular attention to Kimi Antonelli, who is aiming for redemption in his second home Formula 1 race in Italy this season.

For Mercedes — and especially for Kimi Antonelli — the Italian Grand Prix in Monza marks a pivotal moment in the season so far.

While the Brackley-based team aims to reclaim second place in the Constructors’ standings, now just 12 points adrift, the young Italian is seeking redemption on home soil after the mistake at Zandvoort that ended Charles Leclerc’s race and ruined his own, dropping him out of the points.

Toto Wolff at Zandvoort

Wolff reflects on Zandvoort weekend and introduces Monza

Summing up the just-concluded Dutch weekend, CEO and team principal Toto Wolff said: ''We head to Monza aiming for a more consistent and straightforward weekend than at Zandvoort. At times, we looked to have decent pace that would enable us to fight for the podium.''

''Despite starting P11, Kimi progressed through the field well and, were it not for the contact with Leclerc, would likely have been challenging those ahead in the closing stages.''

The Austrian also reflected on George Russell’s race, noting how the Briton managed to bring home a solid fourth place despite his W16 sustaining damage in the battle — once again — with Leclerc.

''For George, his race was also compromised by an incident with the Ferrari. He did a good job to bring solid points home in P4 despite carrying significant floor damage.''

Focusing instead on Monza, Wolff is hoping for a great weekend for Mercedes and a positive result.

''The Italian Grand Prix is a special weekend with a great atmosphere. For Kimi it is a second home race of the season. Whilst that will be exciting for him, we know his focus will be 100 per cent on doing the job on track.

The stated goal is clear: to reclaim second place in the Constructors’ Championship and finish the season on a high, while awaiting the major regulatory changes coming next year.

''The competitive order behind McLaren is close and we will have to be at our best if we are to continue closing the gap to second in the Constructors.''