Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff says that the team is working hard to make the W08 a more consistent package as the team continues its fight with Ferrari in Barcelona next weekend.
The Ferrari has proved to be more adaptable to different venues and temperatures thus far.
“The prevailing feeling is that there is lots of homework to do,” said Wolff. “To come back stronger with a car that can perform on a consistent level every weekend. I have the feeling that we are moving in the right direction, but we need 24/7 shifts to achieve our ultimate targets.”
Wolff said particular attention has been paid to resolving Lewis Hamilton’s problems in Sochi: “We have spent our time since then unpicking what happened to understand why we couldn't get the car in the right window so he could feel comfortable with it - there are no magic bullets to understanding that, just a lot of hard work and attention to detail. We must give him the tools he needs to do the job in the next races and that will be a big focus for us.”
Wolff admitted that Ferrari is keeping Mercedes on its toes after three dominant years.
“This inter-team battle is a totally different situation that what we have seen over the last three years. You simply need to adapt to the challenge and that's what we are doing, playing the hunter as well as being the hunted. At the moment there are two top teams fighting for both championships and I expect Red Bull will also eventually join the club.
“The small margins we are seeing this season are demonstrated by the closeness at the top of the Drivers' championship and even more so by the one-point advantage we have in the Constructors'. This fight will continue on to the end of the season and we will be prepared for that battle.”
