Mercedes have arrived at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in impressive form, but the team will be without their influential team principal Toto Wolff during the Baku weekend.
The Silver Arrows head into the latest round of the Formula 1 season with plenty of confidence after establishing themselves at the front of both championship battles. Mercedes currently lead the constructors’ standings, while their drivers are also firmly involved in the fight for the world championship.
The team’s recent run of form has been particularly encouraging. Mercedes have secured victories at the last two Grands Prix in Spain and Italy, giving them significant momentum heading into the high-speed streets of Baku.
However, Wolff’s absence adds an unexpected storyline to Mercedes’ weekend. With the Austrian not present at the circuit, a replacement has stepped forward to help oversee the team’s operations and ensure the squad remains focused on maintaining its recent level of performance.
Despite the change in leadership presence, Mercedes have shown little sign of being affected on track.
George Russell immediately demonstrated the pace of the W17 during Friday’s opening practice session, finishing at the top of the timing sheets. The British driver continued that impressive form in FP2, once again setting the benchmark and strengthening Mercedes’ belief that another strong result could be possible.
Russell remained competitive during Saturday’s final practice session as well. Although he could not match Max Verstappen for outright pace, the Mercedes driver finished only 0.099 seconds behind the Red Bull star, leaving the team encouraged ahead of qualifying.
With the Baku circuit featuring long straights, heavy braking zones and limited room for error, qualifying position could prove crucial. Mercedes will be hoping Russell can convert his strong practice pace into a competitive grid position before Sunday’s race.
The possibility of a third consecutive Grand Prix victory is now firmly within Mercedes’ sights. After triumphs in Spain and Italy, the team has emerged as one of the strongest forces in the current championship battle.
Wolff’s absence will undoubtedly attract attention throughout the Azerbaijan weekend, but Mercedes’ performances so far suggest the team remains fully prepared for the challenge.
All eyes will now turn to qualifying, where Russell will attempt to continue Mercedes’ remarkable run and put the team in the strongest possible position for another victory in Baku.
