Toto Wolff Looks like our innovations worked

The home race for Mercedes drivers has developed differently. Lewis Hamilton climbed to the podium and George Russell retired on lap one for the first time in his career.

Toto Wolffteam leader: “Today the fans saw a great race.

In Barcelona we made progress for the first time in terms of the shape of the car, but then there were problems again on three city circuits, so I don’t want to talk too much about us. All three days we had a build-up problem, but this weekend we showed a good pace, which is good, and our new products seem to be working well.

In the next stage in Austria there are a few corners that didn’t suit our car in the past, but we keep learning. This year it is difficult for us to claim victory in the race, but we have to get the most out of this car.

It’s a shame George couldn’t race, but those are the rules. Lewis had a strong race, before the safety car came out he chased two Ferrari drivers for the win but after the restart we lost some speed.”

Lewis Hamilton (3rd): “Today I gave everything. I attacked, tried to overtake two Ferraris, but today they were too fast for us. Congratulations to Carlos on his first win. At the end of the race I had a hard time with Sergio, but the Red Bull cars are very fast on the straights.

I am grateful to the team for the innovations that have been prepared for this stage, we have come a step closer to our rivals and have to keep working.

We lost some time in the pit stop and then I attacked with all my strength, but after the restart it wasn’t easy – the Red Bull cars have a big speed advantage on the straights, it’s hard to counter something when they stand behind . We have a lot to improve on, but the podium is a nice bonus for our work.

I’m glad everyone survived after a serious accident at the start. Thank you all, let’s move on.”

George Russell (retirement): “Due to a mistake in qualifying, I decided to start on Hard – we thought that gave us the best chance, but the hardest tires didn’t give the necessary grip at the start, so everyone overtook me.

The next thing I remember was contact with another car, after which I hit Zhou. I jumped out of the car to see if it was okay and the race was immediately stopped with red flags.

When I got back to the car, for some reason I couldn’t start it, so I ran to the team to check everything. I asked the marshals to leave the car on the track, and when I came back, the car was on the tow truck, meaning I couldn’t start. Too bad, because at that time I only had a flat tire, I was able to get a good result in the race.

I’m glad Zhou is okay.”