Mercedes ‘can’t fight for wins everywhere yet’

In brief

Mercedes not competitive everywhere – Wolff

Wolff expects Mercedes to continue gaining on their rivals in the constructors’ championship after the progress they made in recent races.

“We know we have ground to make up,” he said. “We are not yet able to compete for victories at every grand prix.”

“We have made good steps in improving the W15’s weaknesses though and will continue to work hard to take more. If we can do so, then we will close the gap to those ahead in both championships.”

Shwartzman gets practice outing

Robert Shwartzman will drive for Sauber in the first practice session for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix. The WEC driver has previously driven for Ferrari in four Formula 1 practice sessions.

Sauber will fulfil one of their two obligations to run an inexperienced driver by putting Shwartzman in their car.

New engineer for Perez

Sergio Perez will have a new race engineer this weekend. Hugh Bird, his usual race engineer, is on paternity leave, so Perez’s performance engineer Richard Wood will take over.

Ricciardo enjoyed Zandvoort before crash

Daniel Ricciardo says he was enjoying his first experience of the Zandvoort circuit last year until the crash during practice which forced him out for five races with a broken wrist.

“Obviously last year it’s where my year turned upside down,” said Ricciardo, “but until the accident with Oscar [Piastri] I was really enjoying the circuit, the car was great around there. I’m confident we can continue where we left off before the break, our momentum was strong and we’re definitely in the fight for some points.”

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Carolynn Clarke, Socalf1Fan, Adamtys, Scuderiavincero and Mightyspyder!

On this day in motorsport

• 70 years ago today Jose Froilan Gonzalez put his Ferrari on pole position for the Swiss Grand Prix, lapping the Bremgarten track in 2’39.50