Mercedes have been the beneficiaries of positive F1 news headlines over the last week. The team’s performance in Canada brings a welcome change in narrative. However, they are still aware that Championship contention in 2024 or 2025 will be difficult. For Toto Wolff’s squad, there is a huge emphasis on starting the 2026 regulations on the front foot.
It is difficult to find a team that dominated Formula 1 as Mercedes did from 2014-2020. They began the hybrid era with an overwhelming advantage and maintained this edge until the next regulation cycle.
Unfortunately for the staff in Brackley and Brixworth, the opposite happened in 2022. Deceiving simulation data put Mercedes on the wrong path with the W13. It has taken the team over two years to recalibrate itself and understand its package.
Despite this recent progress, there is still some distance to travel – both in terms of pure performance and in the Championship standings.
Mercedes progressing in 2024, but positioning themselves for strong 2026
Thankfully for the Silver Arrows, a new set of regulations is only eighteen months away. As Mercedes know better than anyone else, starting a new era of F1 from a strong foundation is essential.
This is especially true in the budget cap era. Poor development is punished, whilst efficient work is greatly rewarded.
Speaking earlier in the season, Toto Wolff revealed his confidence ahead of the new regulations:
“I think we’re in a very good position for 2026. We are ambitious with the targets we’ve set ourselves for the power unit, for the battery, for the fuel.
“And I think if we’re able to produce a decent chassis. We’re a good value proposition.”
Several notable figures have echoed this sentiment. Alex Albon, for example, admitted that the Mercedes power unit contributed to his decision to continue with Williams.
Alongside this, if reports are to be believed, Carlos Sainz is leaning towards joining Williams. The fact Sainz is contemplating this move (given that an Audi contract is available) shows the prevailing belief in Mercedes engines across the paddock.
George Russell also showed great confidence earlier in the year when discussing 2026:
“I mean, ordinarily, 2026 seems like a long time away. But in the world of Formula 1, it’s going to be here tomorrow. And the team are feeling really confident for this era.”
The consensus is clear – Toto Wolff’s team are not to be discounted. Of course, the ground effect will still be present in the 2026 cars. With that said, this will be to a lesser extent than in previous years.
Moreover, Mercedes seems to have gotten a grasp of this generation of cars.
When putting all of this together, it is understandable why there is confidence in Brackley.
