Toto Wolff pinpoints ‘silver lining’ of Mercedes’ dismal 2024 result
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff identified one positive takeaway for the Silver Arrows after an underwhelming 2024 campaign.
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Toto Wolff (via planetf1)
Mercedes dominated Formula 1 at the start of the Turbo Hybrid era from 2014 to 2020. However, the Silver Arrows went into a decline since 2022 with 2024 being yet another disappointing year. Now, team boss Toto Wolff has emphasized on one positive takeaway from the situation.
The Brackley-based team finished fourth in the standings behind third-placed Red Bull. As per the F1 regulations, teams lower in the standings receive more wind tunnel and CFD time for car development. This could pay dividends for Toto Wolff‘s team in a tight battle against McLaren and Ferrari.
Wolff emphasized that this extra time could be beneficial particularly for the upcoming 2026 rule change. The Austrian billionaire pointed out that that Mercedes has 20% more time in the wind tunnel compared to the 2024 Constructors’ Champions McLaren.
I see the advantages [of finishing fourth… P4 gives us more aero time for next year, particularly with the new regulations [for 2026]. We have about 20 per cent more wind tunnel runs in CFD than the constructors’ championship. So that’s the positive.
Toto Wolff told Sky F1
Toto Wolff asserts Mercedes only cares about winning F1 title
The 52-year-old indicated that Mercedes remains concerned only about winning the Constructors’ title. Once the team is out of contention for the championship, it was not so bothered about finishing second or third. However, Toto Wolff recognized that the final position did make a difference to the employees back at Brackley.
In the end, it’s about winning the constructors’. Then you really don’t care whether it’s P2, P3 from a purely sporting point of view—obviously it makes a difference for our employees.
Toto Wolff stated
Mercedes will need to work hard during the winter break to be in contention for victories from the first race of 2025, Wolff’s team will face stiff competition from the likes of McLaren and Red Bull. It remains to be seen if the Silver Arrows can finally turn the tide to its favor next year.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2271 Articles Published)