Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is confident the team is well-positioned to improve its performance in the second half of the F1 season, despite a challenging start to the year.
Why it matters
After struggling with an incorrect development direction earlier in the season, Mercedes showed promising pace at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with George Russell securing a third-place finish. This shift in momentum, combined with an intense focus on future regulations, offers a significant boost for the team.
The big picture
Mercedes has faced a difficult period, falling out of consistent podium contention during the European leg of the calendar. The team reverted to an older suspension specification in Hungary, which seemingly unlocked better performance. With the summer break now underway, the focus is on recharging and preparing for the upcoming fly-away races.
What they're saying
Toto Wolff expressed optimism for the remainder of the season, highlighting the team's readiness and improved car performance.
- "It’s merited that all of the teams have this two-and-a-half-week break because with all the travelling, with the weekend work, everybody is pretty worn out," Wolff said.
- "Then off we go again, straight with Zandvoort for the second half of the season, which is lots of fly-away races in exciting locations."
- "For us as a team, I think we are well-positioned to fight hard. The car has finally got the pace back, the drivers are in good shape and good space. So I'm really looking forward to starting again."
Looking ahead
With limited development now going into current cars across the grid, Mercedes is strategically shifting its resources. The primary focus is now on the 2026 challenger, which will be built under fresh technical regulations, including a new chassis, aerodynamics, and engine.
- Wolff confirmed: "In 2026 everything changes. We get a completely new chassis, new aerodynamic regulations, finally off those ground effect cars that haven't done us so well, and a completely new engine."
- "Our development has been concentrated around the project for a long time."
- "There was a small group that was tasked with running this year’s car as good as possible and they're fully on it. That’s why I believe that the second half can be strong, whilst all of the R&D and all of the development is concentrated on next year's car."
Mercedes aims to leverage its early focus on the 2026 regulations to start the new era in the strongest possible position.