MARCH 27, 2017
Overtaking a problem in new F1 says Wolff
Although Ferrari won on Sunday, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff gave a thumbs-up to the 'new' F1 after the 2017 season opener. On a competitive level, however, Wolff's colleague Niki Lauda called it a "wake-up call". "The best wake-up call is early morning, so now we are awake," said the F1 legend. But the fans will relish a two-team battle for wins after years of Mercedes dominance, and the now visibly faster and harder-to-drive cars. As for the spectacle overall, some are worried the lack of overtaking moves in Melbourne is a red flag for F1. "Overall, I like the new formula one," Wolff told the German broadcaster RTL. "But obviously the overtaking is a problem. It might have been a bit to do with the circuit in Melbourne," he added. New Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas said after the race: "It was definitely harder to follow other cars in Melbourne this year compared to last year." (GMM)