Wolff rates Hamilton's chances high: 'We know what he can deliver'

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is left with mixed feelings about qualifying in Monza. George Russell starts the Italian Grand Prix in fourth place, while Lewis Hamilton did not get beyond an eighth starting position.

"That was a solid session for us but again a mixed outcome from qualifying - less than two-tenths between our drivers, but that means four positions when it's such a close field," Wolff put the difference between Russell and Hamilton into perspective. "George did a strong job to get onto the second row; Lewis found it more difficult to build confidence in the car, and he was struggling for rear grip through the sessions."

"We know how hard it is to overtake at this circuit, with the small wings and a reduced DRS effect," the Mercedes boss continued. "If George makes a good start, then he can fight at the front. If Albon gets past, for example, then it might be a more complicated afternoon for us. As for Lewis, we know what he can deliver in the race - and he will fight until the final metres to climb through the field."

Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin concurs with Wolff's words. "Lewis was on the wrong side of a tight bunch, but that's how the grid is this year. His final lap began well, but the rears started to give up in the final sector, which cost him a few places," said the Briton.

The engineer does not expect miracles on Sunday. "This track doesn't suit our car particularly well, so a podium is a stretch target, but we'll be looking for any opportunity to move both forward. We're expecting a hot race tomorrow, which is going to mean tyre management is a big factor. But that should also create possibilities to offset and open up some choices on strategy," Shovlin said.