Toto Wolff cites issues after poor qualifying for Mercedes in Bahrain
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 11:10 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
At the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, Mercedes faced challenges during qualifying despite bringing a significant upgrade package to Sepang. Kimi Antonelli, who topped Free Practice 3, had an underwhelming qualifying performance alongside the team. Toto Wolff expressed concerns, suggesting that "something else is going on" that is affecting their speed. The team will need to address these issues ahead of the race to remain competitive.
- •Mercedes introduced major upgrades for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
- •Kimi Antonelli topped Free Practice 3 before struggling in qualifying.
- •Toto Wolff indicated underlying issues affecting team performance.
- •Qualifying results place pressure on Mercedes for the upcoming race.
- 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Toto Wolff Hunts for Explanation After Mercedes’ Bahrain Drop-Off: “Something Else Is Going On”
- 9:58 AMMotorsport.com — Toto Wolff: "Something else is going on" after Bahrain qualifying troubles
"Mercedes brought a substantial upgrade package to Sepang for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, and pace was supposed to be strong for the Silver Arrows. Kimi Antonelli teased something special after he topped FP3, but qualifying proved to be difficult. Toto Wolff believes there is "something else is going on" that is hindering his team's pace. Championship leader Antonelli qualified on the second ...Keep reading
"The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was supposed to be a breakout weekend for Mercedes. Armed with a substantial aerodynamic upgrade package projected to bring around three-tenths of a second in lap time gains, the W17 looked dominant during…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 3, 2026, 11:10 AMToto Wolff Hunts for Explanation After Mercedes’ Bahrain Drop-Off: “Something Else Is Going On”
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was supposed to be a breakout weekend for Mercedes. Armed with a substantial aerodynamic upgrade package projected to bring around three-tenths of a second in lap time gains, the W17 looked dominant during…
- Motorsport.comOct 3, 2026, 9:58 AMToto Wolff: "Something else is going on" after Bahrain qualifying troubles
Mercedes brought a substantial upgrade package to Sepang for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, and pace was supposed to be strong for the Silver Arrows. Kimi Antonelli teased something special after he topped FP3, but qualifying proved to be difficult. Toto Wolff believes there is "something else is going on" that is hindering his team's pace. Championship leader Antonelli qualified on the second ...Keep reading
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