Toto Wolff walking in the Singapore paddock - Photo: Race Pictures

Wolff highlights ‘critical’ factor to watch in Singapore

10:17, 05 Oct

Updated: 10:26, 05 Oct

byKada Sarkozi

Toto Wolff explained what can make the difference at the Singapore GP as Mercedes battles at the front.

"Looking after the rear tyres is critical for a good result and hopefully we have taken a step forward with that with recent upgrades."

- Toto Wolff

Russell claimed his seventh career pole position in Singapore, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

After the session, Mercedes CEO and team principal Wolff said: "The improvements we made to the car overnight certainly helped both drivers today.

"Both George and Kimi were more comfortable in FP3 and showed solid pace to be in amongst the top five. They carried that speed into qualifying and converted it into strong positions for Sunday’s race."

Russell suffered a crash during FP2 at the final chicane earlier this weekend. Wolff saw the Brit then gain confidence to deliver when it mattered.

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He explained: "After his accident in FP2, George spent FP3 and Q1 building his confidence with the car. He always had more margin to push and used that when it mattered to produce two stunning laps in Q3.

"He has been incredibly strong all year, and this was yet another great performance."

Russell with his pole position award in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Russell's teammate Kimi Antonelli will line up on the second row of the grid at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Wolff continued: "For Kimi, he has been on George’s pace all weekend and that is very encouraging for him following on from a good weekend in Baku.

"Whilst he couldn’t quite put his ultimate lap together in Q3, he still has a good opportunity to fight for the podium tomorrow from P4."

Wolff's decisive factor

The Mercedes team boss also looked ahead to Sunday's race. "We have only managed one long run so far this weekend so there are plenty of unknowns heading into the race.

"Looking after the rear tyres is critical for a good result and hopefully we have taken a step forward with that with recent upgrades.

"If we can do so, and given our starting positions, then we can look forward to a competitive showing," Wolff concluded.

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