Due to the corona virus, there will be no spectators at Formula 1 races in the coming months. The teams will also have to adhere to strict rules and protocols to ensure that the Grands Prix weekends run as safely as possible.
In any case, Mercedes is completely ready for this. According to team boss Toto Wolff, it will be a strange experience. “We know what to do. The safety of our staff and the other people present at the race weekend is paramount,” Wolff told the official Formula 1 channel.
“At the same time it will also be a whole new situation, which we have never experienced before. All teams in their own bubble, less interaction with other teams, the media, the fans, that will be a completely new experience. However, Formula 1 is always able to highlight the positives, and if we put on a great show on Friday and Saturday, it will outweigh the ‘rarity’ of the weekend. “
Looking ahead to the power ratios in Austria, Wolff doesn’t attach much importance to the test days in February. “It is always a risk to assume that what you see on the test days will also be the actual performance on the first race weekend.”
“Just look at 2019 and what happened in Australia back then, the relationship was completely different. When we left for Australia this year, we didn’t expect an easy weekend, but rather a lot of opposition. You saw that some teams really wanted to race when we discussed discussing canceling the weekend because they knew they had a fast car. “
“Probably the usual suspects in Austria again, “Wolff predicts, referring to Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.” But I think we may also see some surprises, such as Racing Point, which looked very strong in Barcelona. McLaren and Renault will undoubtedly also play a role, “said Wolff.
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