Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has laid down a clear challenge for Lewis Hamilton following a disappointing 10th-place qualifying result at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite the setback, Wolff remains optimistic about Hamilton’s chances, pointing to the strong pace the Mercedes W15 has displayed throughout the weekend.
Hamilton’s Pace: A Missed Opportunity
Wolff expressed confidence that Hamilton’s car had the performance to secure a front-row start, citing George Russell’s pole position as evidence of Mercedes’ outright speed under the neon lights of Las Vegas.
“It would’ve been a front row,” Wolff said. “But having said that, where he starts, the car looks to be quick. There’s a few he should be able to overtake right away.”
Hamilton’s qualifying misstep came as a result of balance issues and a lock-up in Q3, but Wolff believes the 39-year-old veteran is still in the mix for a strong result on Sunday.
Podium or Bust: The Challenge Ahead
Wolff outlined a bold target for Hamilton: charge through the field and potentially contend for victory. While acknowledging that a race win may require favorable circumstances, he identified a podium as a realistic goal.
“If the car is not graining too much, I think Lewis can make it all the way back into a podium position,” Wolff asserted.
With one of the fastest cars on the grid this weekend, Wolff expects Hamilton to make quick work of the midfield traffic. The long straights of the Las Vegas circuit, combined with Mercedes’ competitive race pace, offer Hamilton a chance to leverage DRS and execute overtakes early in the race.
Clean Sweep on the Horizon?
Wolff is also optimistic about Mercedes’ overall prospects, with Russell starting from pole and Hamilton aiming for a recovery drive. Reflecting on the team’s strong performance throughout the weekend, Wolff highlighted the progress the Silver Arrows have made at a venue where they struggled last year.
“The most important session is tomorrow,” Wolff emphasized. “Hopefully, we can have a clean sweep. The weekend has gone very good so far, the car is quick, and we delivered in all of the sessions.”
Hamilton’s Final Push with Mercedes
As Hamilton approaches the end of his Mercedes tenure, the Las Vegas GP marks one of his last opportunities to deliver a standout result for the team. The seven-time world champion’s ability to navigate through the chaos of a street circuit could prove decisive.
While securing a podium will be no easy task, Hamilton’s pedigree as one of F1’s finest racers under pressure makes him a formidable contender. Sunday’s race promises to be a spectacle as he aims to fulfill Wolff’s lofty expectations and leave his mark on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.