Mercedes are targeting Ferrari and McLaren for battle, not Max Verstappen’s dominance

While accepting Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s dominant streak, Wolff envisions a real battle with Ferrari and McLaren rather than simply aiming to dethrone the reigning champion.

Mercedes, with their third ground-effect car test, are facing a slow start compared to previous seasons. Currently sitting fourth in the F1 standings after the first four races, the team is facing setbacks, but remains steadfast in its pursuit.

Wolff’s hopes lie in the re-emergence of rivals Ferrari and McLaren in the 2023 season. Reflecting on their remarkable turnaround, he highlights the volatile nature of F1’s performance, stressing the potential for change throughout the championship.

“We are Mercedes and we cannot completely abandon the current regulations,” Wolff insists, stressing the team’s commitment to excellence despite the challenges at hand. “That is not the expectation of the brand and our partners.”

While acknowledging the dominance of Verstappen, who has won 22 of 26 Grands prix races, Wolff maintains a logical approach, focusing on the achievable rather than the scary.

“Changes will still happen, but at the moment, we don’t have the ability to fight them (Ferrari and McLaren),” Wolff says. “But it’s a real, much more real goal than (capturing) Max.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming F1 Chinese Grand Prix, Mercedes is preparing for a strategic battle. Scheduled to feature at the Shanghai International Circuit, the race will be the fifth of the 2024 season.

With the introduction of the Sprint weekend, the drivers are faced with a huge challenge, driving within a short time before taking part in the Sprint qualifying session 60 minutes later.

As Mercedes moves through the cycles and turns of the season, the pursuit of excellence remains unwavering. With eyes on Ferrari and McLaren, the team embarks on a journey fueled by determination, consistency and the drive to win in the ever-changing landscape of Formula 1.