Toto Wolff explains 'fundamental problem' as Mercedes achieve goal at F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
F1 news: Toto Wolff has opened up after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Toto Wolff has admitted the current Mercedes car has been a 'fundamental problem' for the side this season.
The Silver Arrows ended the current F1 campaign on a high by securing second in the constructors' championship on Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton struggled, with the Stevenage-born racer only able to finish ninth on the grid.
George Russell impressed, however, with the 25-year-old finishing third - behind only Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
F1 news: Toto Wolff has praised Mercedes after his side's positive showing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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Wolff has now spoken to Sky Sports after the event in the Middle East.
And he says Mercedes have many things to be optimistic about, while also lamenting the performance of their vehicle during the course of the season.
"I mean we have a gap to the leaders, but the two teams in Brackley and Brixworth are so motivated, we have so much good things in the pipeline, so much new things," he said when asked about the future.
"I am in a really good place to see what’s coming together.
"We’ve got to take momentum from here and take that momentum into the factories.
"Let’s be honest they [Red Bull] have a gap because they got well out of the blocks with the new regulations and in order to catch up, that’s a monumental endeavour... hopefully they level off with their development and speed and we can catch up.
"Our [2023] car is a fundamental problem, it’s not stable, the drivers have no confidence in the car, if we can dial that out, we can make a step forward like other teams have done."
On his message to Mercedes fans, he added: "To all of you guys at home and the fans we have, keep believing us, keep pushing.
"It’s vice-world champions to take home, we have to reach for the stars and that’s going to happen, I promise."
Wolff also hailed Russell for the way he performed, insisting he was 'exceptional' on the day.
"It was a great end for the fight for P2," he added.
"George's driving was exceptional.
"I think Charles [Leclerc] at the end was sportsmanlike behaviour, not trying to slow down.
"Two great teams, two great friends that fought to the end.
"I was not stressed. I was stressed once in my life in F1 and that was here a couple of years ago.
"It was a fight for P2.
"In a way, super positive for us as a team and many employees a reward, but it also reminds you that it's P2.
"At the end, we are racers. This day feels like you've won and that's great.
"We've got to be happy about that but also as a racer you want more, but today we won."
And Russell added: "It means a huge amount.
"There are so many people back at the factory, Brackley, Brixworth, who have worked so hard to achieve this.
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F1 news: George Russell was proud of his performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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"It has been a really challenging season. I have let the side down a couple of times this year so pleased to bring it across the line.
"It was tight with Checo at the end and I thought Charles was going to back me up, but respect to him for keeping it clean. Woah, I can chill out now!
"I came out of the pits on the second set of hards, managing a bit, and Checo came from nowhere.
"I don't know hat happened, there, they had great pace, it was really tense at the end.
"The tyres were dropping off but really pleased to have secured P2 for the team. I'm sure the team will have a few drinks tonight."