Mercedes Determined to Triumph in F1’s Current and Upcoming Eras Despite Regulatory Changes, Affirms Toto Wolff

Mercedes is determined not to forego the 2025 Formula 1 season in order to prepare early for the upcoming regulations. Echoing Niki Lauda's philosophy, when faced with the choice of winning either the current or the next race, he famously responded, "Both."

Toto Wolff has affirmed that Mercedes is committed to their aspirations for 2025, aiming to gain an early advantage with the upcoming 2026 F1 regulations.

Mercedes has experienced a season marked by both successes and challenges this year.

Before the summer vacation began, they emerged as the leading team, securing victories in three out of the four competitions before the break.

Nonetheless, following the Zandvoort race, Mercedes has not been in contention for the lead, dropping behind Ferrari in the competitive hierarchy.

The current regulations will expire in 2025, and a completely new set of regulations will be implemented a year later.

Aiming for a strong start in 2026, several teams may choose to shift their focus away from the previous year.

Wolff has definitively dismissed this possibility for Mercedes, with the Austrian setting his sights on achieving championship victories in both seasons.

"Wolff explained to Autosport that the core issue each year, particularly when facing significant regulatory adjustments, is whether to make concessions for one year or another."

"However, I prefer to echo Niki's philosophy when questioned about preference. 'Do you want to win this race or the next?' His response? 'Both.'"

"Often, the situation is simpler than it appears. The shift of personnel and resources to meet the 2026 rules might occur sooner than if the regulations remained unchanged, yet it won't radically alter the landscape."

"Come January, no one plans to shut down the equipment, unless you're truly out of the competition. However, there's no advantage to it, since moving from P10 to P7 doesn't change our situation. We're in the battle for wins and podium finishes, so we can't dismiss our efforts."

Mercedes' fluctuating performance is not unique at the forefront of the competition, as Ferrari and Red Bull are encountering comparable challenges.

Wolff admitted that grasping why there was such a disparity in performance among the teams, apart from McLaren, was challenging.

"He added that the fluctuation in results from one race to another, or across several races, is challenging to predict, because a car that appears to be the same can shift from winning a race to finishing in sixth place."

McLaren stands out as the sole team unaffected by this issue, possessing a robust foundation and a broader performance range compared to others, which allows them to maintain consistent performance levels.

"Every other individual alternates between high spirits and low moods. Prior to the summer season, Ferrari was dismissed by many. However, they have made a significant comeback."

"Prior to the summer season, Mercedes stood at the forefront among teams, a position they evidently no longer hold. Identifying the factors behind their performance has become so complex that even the brightest minds find themselves puzzled."

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