Shovlin: Mercedes Can't Expect Another Eight-Title Run Under Cost Cap

Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has warned that the team cannot expect to replicate its eight-title run after clinching the 2026 constructors’ championship at Interlagos. The Brackley squad’s ninth constructors’ crown ended a wait since 2021, but Shovlin believes the current cost-cap era makes another long dynasty unlikely.

Why it matters:

Mercedes’ return to the top comes after Red Bull and McLaren split the previous four titles. With Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all capable of strong weekends, Shovlin says Mercedes must guard against complacency rather than assume its advantage will carry into 2027.

The details:

• Shovlin said one factor behind Mercedes’ strength was that it had not been winning in recent years, sharpening its push to improve.
• He framed the off-season challenge as asking how Mercedes can “beat ourselves” next year and bring forward a better team.
• The team will receive the least aerodynamic testing time as champion, a handicap Shovlin accepts but downplays.
• He argued that such restrictions make domination harder and produce more exciting racing.

What’s next:

Mercedes will try to repeat its past success, but Shovlin insists nothing can be taken for granted. “Work hard, assume you’re going to get beaten if you don’t do the best job,” he said, with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull already showing race-winning form.