Not performing very well in 2024 actually presents ” benefits “ for a top Formula 1 team like Mercedes F1, insists team boss Toto Wolff.
The Brackley-based team have won three grands prix so far this season, but Mercedes F1 sits behind McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
“There are still seven races to go. We cannot rest on our laurels because we also want to set the direction of the development of the new car, as our performance next year will depend on it.”
“It’s not like we’re shouting ‘Hurrah! We’re only fourth with little hope of third place’. But it can also bring benefits because 2025 will be mostly about F1 in 2026.”
“As the fourth team in the standings, we have more time in the wind tunnel, and that can help us a lot in development next year.”
Without a doubt, Mercedes is already among the favorites when it comes to the 2026 engine. And if Mercedes gets its 2026 chassis-engine package right from the start, it’s possible that a new era of dominance, reminiscent of the 2014-2020 era, could arrive.
“Exactly. It’s the good side of things for us to have everything under control,” Wolff smiled at the idea.
Mercedes have struggled with the current era of “ground effect” rules, which began in 2022 – and which Red Bull have got right from the start.
Asked about Red Bull’s sudden drop in performance, Wolff said: “It’s amazing how much relative performance has declined for them.”
“But when you lose so many important people, it must have some effect.”
Adrian Newey, who ended his involvement in F1 in April, will join Aston Martin F1 early next year.
“Aston can become a force to be reckoned with from 2026,” Wolff admits.
“They also have a great manager in Andy Cowell who can turn things around,” he adds, referring to the former Mercedes engine boss during the team’s reign from 2014 to 2020.
