Toto Wolff demands Mercedes keep momentum train rolling to Mexico

Philip Duncan, PA F1 Correspondent

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has demanded his team keep the momentum train rolling to Mexico following Lewis Hamilton’s narrow defeat at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

Hamilton was denied his first victory of the season when Max Verstappen passed him for the lead with just six laps remaining at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.

The result leaves Hamilton in danger of losing his remarkable record of winning at least one race in each year he has competed.

Mexico ❤️ Buzzing for more scenes like this 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RxPLJT6OPJ

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) October 26, 2022

But speaking ahead of the 20th round of 22, Wolff said: “Lewis drove an outstanding race to finish second. We need to keep this momentum going.

“Race day in Austin was quite a rollercoaster of emotions. While we didn’t quite have the pace to win, it was great to be in the mix at the front and leading the race.

“The upgrades we brought to Texas delivered a step forward and we were closer to the front than we have been recently.

“We’re cautiously optimistic heading to Mexico but the W13 can be unpredictable from track to track, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Sir @LewisHamilton on becoming a knight! pic.twitter.com/W2YwbRUc1A

— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) October 26, 2022

Before heading south of the border, Hamilton appeared on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night talk show in America.

The 37-year-old, who has more wins and poles than any other driver, and shares the record of seven world championships with Michael Schumacher, was asked if he was the greatest Formula One driver of all time.

“I know what I am and I know how good I am but I don’t really like to talk about it,” he replied.

“I like to do my talking on the track. That is what my dad always said.

“When I was a kid there was a lot of discrimination because we were the only people of colour on the race track so even today, I don’t feel like I need to say it.

“I just let what I do on circuit – and what I do off the circuit – speak for itself.”