Mar.2 – Toto Wolff has hit back at claims from the Red Bull camp that Mercedes’ new car is affected by ‘porpoising’.

Last year, the former championship-dominant team struggled throughout the season as Formula 1’s new ‘ground effect’ era began.

The biggest problem was the phenomenon described as ‘porpoising’ or jumping, caused by a constant aerodynamic stalling underneath the car.

Mercedes boss Wolff admits the team still has « a lot of question » about its 2023 car ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain GP.

But the good news, as he told Osterreich newspaper, is that « our car doesn’t jump and that’s a good start ».

Carlos Sainz driving the Ferrari SF-23 during testday 2

However, just days ago Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko alleged that both Mercedes and Ferrari were still struggling with porpoising in pre-season testing.

« No, he is wrong, » Wolff insisted. « If he saw cars bouncing, it wasn’t ours. »

What Wolff does admit, however, is that Red Bull « have the fastest car ».

« On the other hand, they didn’t show everything in the tests and we haven’t cranked it up yet either. That’s why it’s all just coffee grind reading so far, » said the Austrian.

« In three days we’ll know what’s what. »

What won’t become clear over the season-opening race weekend, however, is whether Lewis Hamilton will agree a new contract with Mercedes for 2024.

When asked specifically if another defeat to the younger George Russell will end the seven time world champion’s career, Wolff answered: « Lewis is motivated and in good shape, both mentally and physically.

« He wants to fight for victories more often again, and that’s primarily about beating the Red Bulls. »

When asked yet again to address the issue of contract negotiations, Wolff added: « We have a whole racing year to do that.

« All we have to do is take the old contract and adjust a few details. »

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