Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted that he would “rather not talk too much” about the team’s Formula 1 prospects in 2025 before pre-season testing has taken place.
The German marque has endured multiple setbacks since the introduction of the current regulations in 2022 marked a shuddering halt to the squad’s dominance.
Having won an unrivalled eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships, Mercedes has managed a combined five victories in the three seasons since the rules overhaul.
Last season’s W15 proved to be a more competitive proposition at its peak than its capricious predecessors as Mercedes attained four pole positions and wins apiece.
However, the side’s drop to a distant fourth reflected the enduring trouble that it had with a car that was susceptible to volatile swings depending on the track conditions.
That has prompted Wolff to adopt a more cautious stance when it comes to detailing the progress that Mercedes has made over the winter until the W16 heads out on track.
“These cars are so complicated to hit the sweet spot, that we’ve only done it on a few occasions,” Wolff told RacingNews365.
“We were ultra-dominant in Las Vegas [where it finished 1-2], and then at other tracks, we were unable to contest for a podium.
“So I’d rather not talk too much and see how we can perform in the tests and see whether we have solved some of those balance issues, get on top of the tyres and then we shall see.”
Russell ‘ready’ to be an F1 title challenger
Mercedes will embark upon a new era prior to the rules revamp coming next season as Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari has led to a revised driver line-up at the team.
George Russell has retained his place as he enters his seventh campaign in the sport, but rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be positioned in the opposite garage instead.
Wolff has admitted that it is imperative Mercedes delivers a competitive package amid his assessment that Russell has the credentials to mount a championship bid.
“George is ready to fight for the championship, we’ve got to provide him and Kimi with a car that is fast enough,” the Austrian added.
Antonelli part of Mercedes ‘transition’
Meanwhile, Wolff has stated that Antonelli’s promotion has come with a view to ensuring he is up to speed once the rule change presents all the drivers with a clean slate.
“We want to prepare Andrea for 2026,” Wolff said via Autosport.
“If you expect him to be on pole in Melbourne, win the race and immediately in the race for the championship, then the risk is high. Because it won’t happen.
“But if you consider that the boy is 18 years old, he is very talented, but he must first grow up and will make mistakes, then the risk is limited.
“We see 2025 as a year of transition and we want to prepare him for 2026, when everything will restart again for everyone.”
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