Wolff says Abu Dhabi is in the middle of Mercedes’ ‘doom meter’ forecast as he assesses chances of repeating victory

Toto Wolff believes it will be a tall order for Mercedes to repeat their race-winning performance in Brazil at this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, pointing to the Yas Marina The position of the track in the team forecast tool – the name of the tool is interesting.

Mercedes return to top of podium last time at Interlagos – George Russell leads Lewis Hamilton home finish in one or two – A challenging campaign after trying to understand their W13 and push the developments needed to secure a deal with Red Bull and Ferrari.

Reflecting on the result, and where it left Mercedes, Wolff said: “I think we’re back in the mix – that’s important. If you asked me about priorities today, I’d still say that Red Bull as a whole is the most important. Competitive. I think Ferrari has a very fast car [single] laps, and was also the fastest package on a few weekends.

READ MORE: Verstappen leads Russell and Leclerc in second practice at dusk in Abu Dhabi

“We’ve been able to do well on the best circuits in our car’s DNA, and mostly high downforce – Mexico and Brazil. When it’s fast, we’re not very competitive. [In a] In a straight line, our car dragged a bit.

“It’s still third in the pecking order, I guess I can say that, but we’re very close and on our day, on the right track, we can win – that’s the most important thing.”

Assessing the Sao Paulo victory’s ranking in Mercedes’ history, Wolff added: “I quickly forgot about the previous victories. I don’t know if it’s a mechanism that’s actually bad… because I’m very Looking forward. But this one is important because it validates our development direction, which helps with confidence and allows engineers to see that it is heading in the direction we want it to be.

READ MORE: Russell thinks Red Bull ‘had legs’ at Mercedes at Yas Marina as Hamilton plans overnight change to restore FP1 form

“On the other hand, ticking that box, I don’t want everyone to be like, ‘Mercedes didn’t win a race in 2022’. We did, we [won] The sprint race; I don’t think it’s important, but now that it’s done, I think it’s a positive for us. “

As for the team’s chances in Abu Dhabi, Wolff referred to what he called his “doom meter”, explaining that Yas Marina – dominated by long straights and heavy braking – is unlikely to take advantage of W13.

Speaking after Russell and Hamilton achieved P2 and P4 respectively On Friday’s FP2 practice schedule“We have this internal ‘doom watch’ that, based on our simulations, predicts whether or not we’re good at the track,” Wolff said.

“We thought Mexico was the best track of the season and we did well. Brazil was there, and Austin, but it did better than we thought. Abu Dhabi is pretty much in the middle of the doom table — — It’s not Spa and Monza.

Read more: 5 things we learned from Friday’s practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

“In a way, if we’re connected to the doom meter, that means we know where we’re going. If we’re better than the doom meter, obviously [we will be] happy, but also question why our tool [aren’t] Make the right choice based on our predictions.

“The truth is, I don’t know. We lack straight-line speed when they turn, especially against Red Bull. [up] engine. But I would never say we’re not in it — let’s see. Rationally, probably not there. “