Wolff Not Giving Up On Recovery: 'I Want To See It As Testament For Strengths Of Team'
F1
While Mercedes hasn't really gotten closer to beating Red Bull in 2023 than it was in 2022, its team principal, Toto Wolff, is still hopeful they can turn it around in less than two years.
Mercedes lost the development battle with Red Bull in 2022 when the team decided to pursue a concept that was wrong from "tip of nose to tail," as described by current chief technical director James Allison.
Then, Silver Arrows made a wrong decision to continue with the failed concept in 2023, which surprised even the Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner.
While two years of the new regulations have passed, two years are still ahead, so there is plenty to fight for, and Toto Wolff does not want his team to give up yet. He told motorsport.com:
"I don't want to give up on the recovery and say, 'Well, let's wait for 2026, new car, new engine'. There is two more important years to go."
It is expected that the deck will be reshuffled with a new set of regulations in 2026. These regulations define new types of power units, amongst other things, which gives a chance to Mercedes to get back to the top.
But the team principal does not want to wait around for two more years without competing for the Championship title. He continued:
"I want to see it as a testament for the strengths of the team that we are capable to recover and race for championships. That's our clear objective."
Teams like Aston Martin and McLaren have shown that in 2023 it is possible to make significant development steps forward. While the chances are low, it is possible for Mercedes to challenge Red Bull in 2024.
"Looking at the odds, very difficult. Looking at performances of other teams, how Aston Martin has done over the winter [from 2022 into 2023], McLaren recovered a second with an upgrade they expected to come in at 0.25 seconds… There is a sweet spot that you need to find and that unlocks more potential."
Silver Arrows planned to change everything they could on the 2023 car, and according to the team principal, simulations are looking promising.
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