Toto Wolff insists Mercedes will not sacrifice F1 title hopes in 2025 for profits in 2026

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff doesn’t want the team to miss any chance of success in Formula 1 next season, despite a major rule change in 2026.

The current cycle of ground effect rules, which began in 2022, has resulted in a reduction in Mercedes’ dominance in F1.

In 2024, Mercedes made a mid-season change and, courtesy of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, won three of the last four races before the summer break.

Unfortunately, when the campaign resumed in late August, the team again encountered performance issues.

Still, even with the rule changes in 2026, Wolff won’t give up on Mercedes’ chances of making further profits in 2025.

“That’s the crux of the matter every year, and especially when you have such a big regulatory change, are you going to compromise this year or the second?” Wolff said Motor sports.

Wolff recalled the advice of his late friend and mentor, Niki Lauda.

“Nika’s motto when someone asks her: ‘Would you rather win this one or the next one?’ he says, “Both.”

Toto Wolff and Mercedes are thinking differently than their rivals when the regulations change in 2026

Mercedes’ approach to the 2026 regulations, which include active aerodynamics, new car dimensions and greater electrification, differs from some competitors.

Companies such as Aston Martin and Williams are pinning most of their hopes on 2026 and beyond, viewing 2025 as a sacrificial lamb for greater future profits.

However, Mercedes is expected to consistently fight for victories, and as a shareholder, CEO and team principal, Wolff must think differently.

“Nobody’s going to turn off machines in January unless you’re really nowhere,” Wolff explained.

“But there is nothing to gain because the difference between P10 and P7 makes no difference to us anyway. We’re fighting for wins and podiums and we can’t write it off.”

Wolff admitted that “the transition in terms of people and competences to the 2026 regulations will take place slightly earlier than in the case of stable regulations, but this will not have a significant impact on the situation.”

Current championship position “unsatisfactory” for Mercedes

Mercedes, which has six rounds left in its 2024 campaign, looks like a team destined to finish fourth in this year’s constructors’ standings.

The three leading teams have less than 100 points: McLaren (516), Red Bull (475) and Ferrari (441).

Mercedes is over 100 points behind the trio with 329 points, and Wolff wants more from the once dominant force in F1.

“The goal we set ourselves every year is to win races,” he said. “We won three games, two deservedly so.

“We can therefore say that from this point of view we meet certain expectations. But if you look at the entire season, no.

“Now there is an extremely tight duel between four teams, i.e. eight cars. And unfortunately, due to ineffective DNF performances, the gap to the top team is simply too great.

“We therefore find ourselves in a position in the Constructors’ Championship that is not at all satisfactory.”

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