Mercedes does not want to neglect the 2025 season in favor of 2026

Smaller and lighter cars, different engines, a new approach to aerodynamics… The new regulations that will come into force for the 2026 season will significantly change the characteristics of Formula 1 cars. Teams may be tempted to somewhat neglect the development of their models used next season to best prepare for this transition.

Read also: The 2026 F1 regulations will be an ode to spectacle

Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, acknowledges that this dilemma could be relevant. It’s the crux of the problem every year, and especially if you have such a significant change in regulations, will you make compromises one year or another? he advances in an interview granted to Autosport.

Mercedes is not going to change its habits

The boss of the Silver Arrows does not plan to change his strategy for the 2025 season. The numerous changes will have to be anticipated, but there will be no revolution in his approach to development for 2026. « Sometimes, it’s much less complex than we think. It’s likely that the transition to the 2026 regulations will happen a little earlier than with stable regulations, but it won’t change the situation », he analyzes.

It seems crazy to him not to make any changes during the year, even if they may not be relevant to the new era that Formula 1 is preparing to enter. No one will turn off the machines in January, unless they’re really nowhere. But there is nothing to gain, because between 10th and 7th place, it doesn’t make a difference to us anyway, he continues.

Winning races as a goal

With George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as starters in 2025, Mercedes will keep the same goal as in previous seasons: to climb to the top step of the podium as regularly as possible. « We are fighting for victories and podiums, and we cannot give up on that », explains Toto Wolff.

Especially as the Austrian seems frustrated by his team’s results this season. Despite a performing Mercedes W15, the team based in Brackley is only in fourth position in the constructor standings, behind McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari. And Wolff does not want to settle for three wins next year.

« It is extremely tight now, between four teams, which represents eight cars. And unfortunately, due to underperformances, retirements, the gap with the leading team is simply too big. We find ourselves in a position in the constructors’ championship that is not at all satisfactory », testifies the team director. His competitors are warned, Mercedes plans to do better in 2025.

Also read: How will the ‘Override’ boost mode of the 2026 F1 regulations work?