F1 | Toto Wolff: “Mateschitz one of the most incredible entrepreneurs in the world”

Mercedes will start almost out of nowhere on the second row in the United States Grand Prix. Hamilton and Russell in fact took fifth and sixth position in qualifying, but given the grid penalties inflicted on Leclerc and Perez they will both advance two spaces, therefore starting close to Sainz and Verstappen on the front row. First of all, a nice opportunity for a podium for the Silver Arrows, and then who knows how the race dynamics could develop on Mercedes' day. Then a dutiful thought towards Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of Red Bull who passed away shortly before qualifying.

“It was a good session for us – said Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal. The upgrades work well, but this car is difficult to drive, but overall it works quite well here and we could have been closer to pole position, so I think we can play for it up front. Today, however, is a sad day due to the news of Dietrich Mateschitz's death: he was one of the most incredible entrepreneurs in the world, creating an energy drink market that simply did not exist before him, building one of the best brands in the world. This sport owes him a lot, not only for what he did to Spielberg, but also for the two teams that he owned and developed over time. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends."