Toto Wolff warns Mercedes team to stay realistic after double podium in Spain

On Sunday, Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff thanked his engineers for a successful upgrades package, but warned the team to stay realistic after a double podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix.

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Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate George Russell finished a strong second and third behind defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, boosting team morale after a challenging run of results.

Their success on Sunday lifted them to second ahead of Aston Martin behind dominant leaders Red Bull in the constructors' championship.

But a happy Wolff said he was keen to keep their big improvement in perspective and for the team to keep their feet on the ground.

"I'm very happy for the hard work that has been done," said Wolff. "We took some decisions to go in another direction.

"We changed so many parts, with many variables we don't understand. And it was a risky move. I think we needed that shock at the beginning of the season - that shook it up. But now you can see where the benchmark is - and it's not where we want to be."

A delightful result

A revitalised Hamilton, who is in negotiations to extend his contract, which ends this year, was delighted with the result.

"George did a fantastic job, and we have scored great points for the team. The factory should feel proud of the amazing work done to make this step for this weekend and last.

"The car felt great. Now, we have to make more steps to close the gap! This was more than I expected this weekend."

He added that being fast at the Circuit de Catalunya was a good sign.

"As long as I've been racing here, if you're quick here, you should be quick elsewhere," he said. "But these cars have a