Formula 1: Toto Wolff says Mercedes are in a ‘better state’ following Australian Grand Prix

The team are second in the Constructors’ Championship and drivers’ standings through George Russell

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff (Getty Images)

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the team are in a “better state” after the Australian Grand Prix following a disappointing start to the season.

George Russell bagged his first podium for Mercedes in Melbourne and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, meaning the team are second in the constructors’ standings. Carlos Sainz’s retirement in the race for Ferrari, meanwhile, has put Russell second in the drivers’ standings.

“We are leaving Melbourne in a better state than when we arrived – more lessons learned, more data to analyse and more points on the board,” Wolff told the official Formula 1 site on Sunday. “Clearly we haven’t got the pace yet to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull, but we know where we need to seek performance.

“Seeing Lewis and George perform at an exceptionally high level today with a tool that is clearly not on the pace of the leaders is another example of the spirit of this team. We are optimistic yet realistic on the timeline for improvement and the advantage our competitors have, but P3 and P4 helps us leave Australia with a good feeling.”

Despite his own disappointment this season as a record eighth world title seems to be out of reach, Hamilton was delighted for his teammate’s first Mercedes podium

He said: “It’s incredible. He’s done an amazing job today, he had great pace. He’s been so solid these first three races and he’s working and really grafting away. He’s doing an amazing job.

“I saw a bit of him racing [Sergio] Perez and I wish I could have been in it, but we’ll take these points and keep pushing. While we haven’t necessarily improved the car in these three races, I think we’ve extracted the most we could have points-wise. To come away with this result is great.”