Toto Wolff glad to see customer McLaren defeat Red Bull for 2024 title
Toto Wolff was content to see Red Bull be defeated by Mercedes' customer team, McLaren for the Constructors' title this year.
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Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)
Mercedes had an underwhelming campaign in 2024. On the other hand, McLaren, which uses power units from the Silver Arrows went on to win the Constructors’ title. Now, Toto Wolff has praised the Woking-based squad for successfully defeating Red Bull.
Wolff reckoned that if the works team of the German carmaker could not win the championship, he was happy to be beaten by his customer. The Austrian billionaire emphasized that he had zero problem over McLaren setting the benchmark for the entire grid this year.
To be honest, if we can’t win as a works team, I’d much rather be beaten by a customer team. I have zero problem with that because it shows us where the benchmark is.
Toto Wolff said, as reported by PitDebrief
The 52-year-old was happy to see the customer team deny Red Bull a third Constructors’ title in a row. Though, Max Verstappen did manage to win the Drivers’ title with against Lando Norris. Nevertheless, Toto Wolff described McLaren’s triumph as a victory for Mercedes Motorsport as a whole.
This is a success for Mercedes Motorsport, success for Mercedes, and a success for HPP.
Toto Wolff added
Mercedes ‘completely fine’ by losing to McLaren
Toto Wolff highlighted that Mercedes and McLaren share the same power units. However, the Austrian recognized that if the Woking-based squad had the better chassis, execution or even drivers, he was completely fine with such a defeat. As the Silver Arrows were willing to accept their shortcomings compared to its customer outfit.
World Champion is our customer team. They have equal material. We fight on the same terms. And if they have a better chassis, better execution, or better drivers, then that’s completely fine for us.
Toto Wolff noted
However, it is clear that Mercedes cannot stay behind its customer squad for another season. Toto Wolff and his team need to make solid progress over the course of the winter break. No matter the diplomatic comments made by the 52-year-old, losing to a customer is not a pleasant sight for any manufacturer in Formula 1.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2271 Articles Published)