Mercedes will have switched half its workforce to concentrate on the 2014 programme come May, according to their motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
The regulations change dramatically next year with the introduction of a new 1.6 litre turbo-charged V6 engine formula. Therefore teams are keen to begin developing their cars with the changes in mind – most have already begun doing so.
Wolff revealed to the official F1 website that half their resources would soon be taken off developing the current W04 – which has claimed two pole positions in four races – and moved to focus on the W05.
“We’re already working on 2014 and we’ll gradually raise the percentage of people working on next year’s car,” he said.
“I would say that in May we will reach a point where more than 50 percent will work on the 2014 car.
“There is no doubt that at a point in the summer everybody will switch their main resources to the 2014 car, as this is a very complex and complicated machine.
“Of course it all depends on where you are in the standings. Those who are fighting for the title will of course concentrate longer on this year’s car.”
