Toto Wolff has sought to play down expectations that Mercedes and George Russell are set to be the benchmark ahead of the new Formula 1 season.
Mercedes enjoyed a competitive beginning start to the 2026 F1 season, racking up an impressive 502 laps across the Barcelona shakedown last week.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli described the new W17 positively, both having confidence in the car, a distinct difference from recent seasons.
The Silver Arrows now head to Bahrain for the first official pre-season test as F1’s front runner, and will look to cement its position.
The competitiveness of the W17 has led to speculation George Russell could mount a challenge, but Wolff has urged caution.
“He’s shown us where the performance of the car is, and overall, he’s been more than great to us,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week at Mercedes’ 2026 launch.
“But even then, it is always the best driver and best car that wins, and we haven’t yet proven that we have a package that is good enough.
“We haven’t been in the war in the hot [conditions] in Bahrain with the abrasive Tarmac, which is always tricky for us.
“So, I hope the bookmakers are right, but I will believe it when we have seen performances that confirm that.”
George Russell ‘ready to fight’ for title
Russell meanwhile is entering the new season in a relaxed state of mind, reaffirming his belief he can fight for the title in 2026, but remains unfazed by his title favourite status.
“I don’t really feel anything from hearing that, to be honest,” he admitted.
“As I’ve said for a long time, I feel ready to fight for a world championship, and whether we have that comment above us or not, that does not change my approach one single bit.
“I’m working so hard with the team. Everybody here has been working flat out to really maximise this new set of regulations, and I’m honestly just so excited by the challenge.
“Because it is a huge challenge, adapting to these new cars, how the energy management works, the reharvesting of the batteries, getting your head around the boost system, the overtake modes, the active aero.
“There are a lot of things we need to learn very quickly, but I feel I can take advantage of that, and I feel confident with myself and my team.”
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