Wolff: Mercedes needs to eliminate errors as rivals close in

Despite having put its nightmare Spanish Grand Prix to bed with victory in the last three races, Wolff has made it clear he is far from satisfied about points that Mercedes has seen go begging recently.

In particular, he thinks that the team did not make the most of its chances in Baku, as a qualifying crash and problems with engine modes prevented Lewis Hamilton from finishing on the podium.

“We didn't maximise our potential in Baku," said Wolff. "At some circuits, you seem to find the sweet spot straight from the beginning - and that track suited our car in terms of demands on the powerunit and aerodynamic efficiency. So, we left a little disappointed.

“Our package is clearly as competitive as ever and we have seen that both drivers are pushing right to the limit - sometimes even beyond it. This is what we want to see from them.

“It would be easy to get complacent or ease off the pedal after our recent success. But they are pushing themselves, each other and the team forward at every step. 

"We accept that sometimes this will result in tough weekends - but it's good for all of us and good for the sport. Our priority is to eliminate the small errors which have cost points here and there.”

Wolff’s belief that Mercedes needs to keep pushing hard is made stronger by the fact that he believes teams like Williams and Force India are emerging stronger – and will likely be big threats in Austria this weekend.

He added: “We need every weapon at our disposal operating at maximum capacity to fight off the opposition at the front, who are growing in number.

“Force India have been very strong recently, Williams are always quick in Spielberg and, of course, there is the constant threat from Ferrari and Red Bull - particularly at a home race for the latter.”