With Formula 1's 2026 rule overhaul looming, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff offers insight on the team's progress and sets realistic expectations for rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025.
As Mercedes continues to navigate the transition from its early dominance in the ground effects era, team principal Toto Wolff has shed light on the early stages of development of the all-new 2026 Formula 1 chassis. A tumultuous 2024 season marked by inconsistent performances, Wolff is keen to ensure Mercedes returns to championship contention when the next major rule change comes into effect.
A path strewn with pitfalls in the era of ground effects
Mercedes has struggled to regain its footing since the introduction of ground effects regulations in 2022. Although it has shown flashes of brilliance, including a few notable victories in 2024, the team has failed to regain its former dominance.
Wolff acknowledged these challenges but stressed that early factory data for the 2026 chassis offers reason for optimism.
“The first data for 2026 is starting to come out of the factory, and it meets some of the analyzes we had done before. That's good, but we're also pushing to achieve other goals,” Wolff explained.
However, the Austrian stressed the importance of setting ambitious standards. “It's about understanding whether the expectations we've set are high enough,” he added.
2025: A year of transition for Mercedes
Next season will be crucial for Mercedes as the team prepares for life without seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who has joined Ferrari. In his place, the highly promising 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his full-time F1 debut.
Wolff urged caution with Antonelli, tempering expectations for the Italian prodigy.
“If you expect him to be on pole position in Melbourne, win the race and immediately challenge for the title, then the risk is high because that's not going to happen,” Wolff said . “He is very talented, but first he has to grow and make mistakes.”
Antonelli against the competition
Antonelli's arrival coincides with what could become an intense rivalry within the team. While the team positions Antonelli as a long-term investment, he will share the garage with another rising star, whose performance could dictate Mercedes' future driver line-up.
The stakes are high as Mercedes could use the 2025 season to evaluate its drivers ahead of a potential dramatic move for Max Verstappen. With Verstappen's dominance and proven track record, securing his services could redefine Mercedes' trajectory.
The challenge of 2026
As the team focuses on the future, Wolff has made it clear that the 2026 season is already a priority. Mercedes engineers are analyzing past shortcomings while moving forward with innovative approaches to new regulations.
Despite the challenges, Wolff remains confident in Mercedes' ability to meet the challenge. “The speed of development is good, but we need to make sure we meet all targets and maintain high expectations,” he said.
What awaits us
While the 2025 season may serve as a transitional year for Mercedes, it also provides a crucial testing ground for Antonelli and the team's evolving strategies. If the team can improve their pace and reliability from the start, they will remain in contention as the championship battle heats up.
With an eye on 2026, Mercedes is laying the foundations for a potential return to dominance. Whether it's an Antonelli flourishing, a Verstappen move coming to fruition, or a new chassis delivering the desired results, one thing is clear: Mercedes is determined to reclaim its place at the top of Formula 1.
