Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, stated that the team’s difficulties in Formula 1 since 2022 should be seen in the context of the drought experienced by other teams. The German manufacturer entered the recent regulations reset as the team to beat, having won eight consecutive Constructors’ championships. However, Mercedes has not been able to replicate that success with the current ground effect cars, with their only victory so far coming from George Russell’s triumph in Brazil in 2022. Despite a disappointing start to the season, Wolff highlighted the prolonged wait that rivals like Ferrari and McLaren are experiencing to win another title as evidence that Mercedes’ deficiencies are being exaggerated.
“We have finished first on 115 occasions and have been knocked down in the last 50 races,” Wolff explained to the PA news agency. “This is not where we aspire to be, and it’s terrible at the moment. However, on Monday morning, we regroup and move on. Ferrari has not won a Constructors’ Championship since 2008. Red Bull did not win eight times in a row because we were winning. So, we need to maintain a certain perspective and recognize that this is the third year in which we have not won. It’s not eight years, not 16. When was the last time McLaren won the Constructors’ Championship? 1998. And the last drivers’ title? With Lewis in 2008. We finished second last year, which is not satisfactory. However, if you look at the situation in 10 or 20 years, you will see that we won eight consecutive championships and then went through a downturn, but not 16 consecutive defeats.”
Wolff, who signed a three-year contract to continue leading Mercedes on the eve of the season, asserts that he still has the determination to turn the team’s fortunes around.
He declared: “I have always been highly self-critical and introspective. Is this my area of expertise? Am I involved in a field that I understand and believe I can make a valuable contribution?”
“I constantly ask myself this question, for three decades now, and the conclusion I have reached is that I am a co-owner of this company and will remain a co-owner of this company, regardless of whether I hold the position of team principal, CEO, or president.”
“I have experienced moments in the past where a time comes and you realize there may be someone who can fulfill that role better, whether due to their energy, intelligence, knowledge, or compassion.”
“That day will come, but so far (together with co-owners Ineos and Mercedes-Benz AG), we have not identified who that next individual will be.”
“I still have a passion for this. Maybe one day I will wake up and no longer feel that passion. There may be an unforeseen event that changes my role as team principal.”
“Nevertheless, this is the path I have chosen alongside my co-owners.”
“I have signed a new three-year contract and will be a permanent figure, unless I die, possibly in different roles within senior management.”
© 2024
Portugal wins Euro 2024 and becomes European football champion once again. The Portuguese national team secured the title after an exciting final against Germany. With a score of 2-1, Portugal ensured victory in the final minutes of the game. It was an intense match, with many thrilling moments and incredible plays.
The highlight of the final was player Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored both goals for the Portuguese national team. With this brilliant performance, Ronaldo once again showed why he is considered one of the best players of all time. Additionally, goalkeeper Rui Patrício also had a spectacular performance, making crucial saves and securing the victory for Portugal.
The Portuguese fans were celebrating and commemorating the victory in the streets of Lisbon. Thousands of people gathered to celebrate the title and honor the national team players. It was a night of great joy and pride for the country.
With this victory, Portugal solidifies itself as a powerhouse in European football. The team had already won the Euro Cup in 2016 and now clinches the title once again. This achievement is the result of the hard work and talent of the Portuguese players, who displayed high-level football throughout the championship.
Euro 2024 was an exciting tournament, with competitive games and many surprises. The participating teams showcased quality football and provided great moments for the fans. The competition was a success and will be remembered in the history of European football.
Now, the focus shifts to the next edition of the Euro Cup, which will be held in 2028. Football fans eagerly await more excitement and great matches. Meanwhile, Portugal celebrates another title and the country fills with pride for its national team.
