Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says the team will look to repeat what they did in 2018 by beating Ferrari in a marathon, not a sprint.
The Brackley-based team is thought to be trailing their Italian rivals ahead of the opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend, a race Ferrari has won the past two seasons too.
Despite that, Wolff began his preview for Melbourne excited for the challenge that lies ahead.
“It’s finally time to go racing again,” declared the Austrian. “Everyone in Brackley and Brixworth has poured so much effort and commitment into this new car, so we’re excited to finally see it compete on track in Melbourne.
“Last year, we had to give it absolutely everything to come out on top. From what we have learned so far, this year will be even tougher. It will push us to our limits – and that’s an exciting prospect for every single one of us.”
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The reason why Mercedes remain confident though is the memories of last year, which didn’t see the team win a race until the fourth round in Baku, and saw them simply outlast the early flurry from Maranello.
“Judging from the performance in Barcelona, it looks like we will have a proper fight on our hands in Melbourne,” Wolff noted.
“But an F1 season is not just about who comes out of the blocks quickest; under new regulations like we have this year, it is about who is able to adapt best to the new rules and the new tyres and all the challenges that we will have to master during the year.
“The most adaptable and agile team will come out on top this season and we have shown in the past that we are fast and flexible and that we can handle every curveball thrown at us.
“We’re ready for the fight and look forward to the crazy rollercoaster of a new F1 season.”
