Mercedes to change pitstop strategy reveals Lauda

Mercedes will change its philosophy regarding pitstops ahead of Monaco, team chairman Niki Lauda has announced.

Although the German team extended its performance advantage over Ferrari in Barcelona, it is the Italian outfit that is now clearly the fastest in the pits.

“Mercedes has had the strategy of leaving a few tenths on the table to ensure the wheels are changed securely,” Lauda is quoted by Welt newspaper. “But I think we need to change it a little so that we can be quicker in this area.”

“As we have seen,” Lauda was also quoted by Kleine Zeitung newspaper, “our competition never sleeps.”

Also determined to improve in Barcelona was Nico Rosberg, who finally broke teammate Lewis Hamilton’s run of poles and wins.

The German admitted: “It’s hard to drive the best car on the grid and not be the one winning, but experience has taught me how to manage these difficult situations. I’ve always believed in myself and my ability.”