Wolff points to unlikely ally as Mercedes set new F1 record

Toto Wolff has thanked the changeable British weather as Mercedes set a new all-time record in qualifying for the British Grand Prix.

George Russell grabbed pole at Silverstone, with Lewis Hamilton sharing the front-row for the first Mercedes lock-out since the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, making it the 84th time the team will have started one-two.

That eclipses the 83 for the record it jointly-held with Ferrari as Russell became the first non-Hamilton Briton on pole at Silverstone since Damon Hill in 1996.

Reflecting on Mercedes’ second pole of the season, after Russell in Canada, Wolff thanked the weather as rain battered Silverstone throughout the day.

“We were hoping it would be wet when we went so well in FP3, but it was really positive to see,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1. 

“I think the weather helps us, it is the British weather and we want to keep it for the rest of the summer wherever we go!

“But in the end, I am happy that we were able to do it honestly and on merit – but we mustn’t [get ahead of ourselves for the race].

Team orders for Mercedes?

Wolff also addressed the expected battle between Russell and Hamilton – with the team well-placed, especially as Red Bull only has one car in the leading gaggle as Sergio Perez will start 19th following a Q1 exit.

“We’re talking about it every Sunday, and we are not trying to be a broken reocrd, but we have an opportunity [in the race],” he said.

“We are starting first and second and as long as we can hold that for a while, it would be good and gives us a better position.”