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Mercedes has suffered from poor starts in the last three seasons, and team boss Toto Wolff is aware that this trend must be changed this year if they are to remain competitive in the title race.
Wolff did not mince his words and stressed that the team simply cannot afford another poor start in 2025, especially as new regulations will be introduced next year that will affect the design and performance of the car. Any mistake this year could have massive consequences for the future.
For all teams in Formula 1, 2025 is a big test. With the upcoming rule changes coming in 2026, the team must balance the development of the current car with the preparation for a new era. Mercedes must be careful not to make mistakes on both fronts, as they will face some difficulties on both fronts.
2025 Strategy
The 2025 season starts this weekend in Australia, and Wolff knows they can’t afford to repeat the poor starts of previous seasons. Developing a Formula 1 car is never easy, but with new regulations looming, upgrades will be key. Mercedes must ensure they can show their strength in the first few races, as they struggled to get the season off to a good start last year.
“The first six months [of 2024] cost us a lot of points because we couldn’t get the car going properly,” Wolff told OE24. “However, we managed to recover in the second half of the year and won four times. Our goal is always to fight for titles, and the competition will be very strong. We will be fighting for the top few places, but you have to be ready for anything – and not just compete for the top positions.”
He adds that developing the current car will be incredibly difficult as the team has to think about 2026 at the same time.
"In Formula 1, if you don't progress, you go backwards. It's a simple rule. Any mistake now can mean that you will be far behind the competition. The teams that manage this situation best will have an advantage. And we want to be among them."
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