Mercedes long ago decided to abandon its “zeropods” architecture for the 2024 season, in which it will converge around the downwash solution used by the rest of the grid.
In this way, the eight-time constructors’ champion team will have to catch up with Red Bull, which has already had two seasons to develop its own optimal version of the ground effect regulations.
Even though his main rival enjoys an advantage, Mercedes boss, Wolffsays his team cannot “give up” on its turnaround plan – having finished second for two consecutive years – instead scrapping the 2024 and 2025 seasons until F1’s rules undergo a major change.
In exclusive statements to Motorsport.comthe Austrian said: “I don’t want to give up on the recovery and say: ‘Well, let’s wait until 2026, new car, new engine.’
“There are two important years left. I want to see it as proof of the team’s strength that we are capable of recovering and competing for championships. That is our clear objective.”
By 2026, the engines will get rid of the expensive and complex MGU-H. In addition, the power of the electrified part of the hybrid powertrain will almost triple to 350 kW to create an equal power split with the 1.6-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine.
Regarding the chassis revision, the front and rear wings will become active, the size of the wheels will be reduced from 18 to 16 inches and the cars will be shorter, narrower and up to 50 kg lighter.
Foto: Michael Potts / Motorsport Images
Toto Wolff, team principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG
But Wolff warns that Mercedes’ chances of returning to the top are slim before these major rule changes level the playing field.
“Looking at the odds, it’s very difficult. Looking at the performances of other teams, how Aston Martin has done over the winter (from 2022 to 2023), McLaren made up a second with an improvement they expected to reach 0.25 seconds. “There is a sweet spot that you need to find that unlocks more potential.”
“I think what contributes the most is that the drivers start to have a car they can trust, which they can’t do now (with the Mercedes W14).”
Lewis Hamilton has been equally reserved about Mercedes’ immediate possibilities: “I think we now have a North Star, something we haven’t had for two years. But getting there is not a straight line…”
“I think we understand the car a lot better. We’ve developed great tools in the background. So naturally I’m hopeful (for 2024), but I’m not going to hold my breath.”
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