Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has admitted that the Silver Arrows’ battle for top-tier finishes in 2024 has all but fizzled out, as the team lags behind Ferrari and McLaren with only four Grands Prix and two Sprints remaining. After a disappointing Mexico GP where Mercedes trailed Carlos Sainz by 44 seconds and Lando Norris by 40, Wolff signaled a clear pivot in strategy: it’s all about planning for a comeback in 2025.
“We’ve reached a point in the championship where the best way forward is to treat each race as a testing ground,” Wolff admitted in a recent press release. “It’s invaluable data that will help us prepare for 2025, and we’ll continue with that approach in Brazil.”
Mexico City highlighted Mercedes’ woes, where Lewis Hamilton struggled to outpace teammate George Russell. Despite the upgraded floor on Hamilton’s car, there was hardly any noticeable edge; the two Mercedes cars were nose-to-tail for nearly 20 laps, with Hamilton finally pulling ahead on Lap 66, finishing just four seconds ahead. In contrast, Russell, driving a floor spec from as far back as May’s Miami GP, finished an unremarkable 48 seconds off the race winner’s pace.
If Russell’s outdated setup is indeed performing better, the Mexico outcome is a blow to Mercedes’ development roadmap in F1’s ground-effect era. Mercedes’ technical chief James Allison now faces the critical task of aligning the team’s 2025 efforts, given the current car’s lack of competitive pace and overtaking struggles.
The Mercedes duo heads to Interlagos in Brazil, an iconic track that has always emphasized driver skill with its challenging elevations and varying corner types. While Wolff remains cautious about competing with the power-packed Ferrari and McLaren teams, he sees a silver lining in the sprint format. A single practice session before the Sprint could act as a wild card, giving both Hamilton and Russell, seasoned race winners, a chance to shine with minimal adjustments.
“Interlagos is one of those circuits where the driver can make a difference,” Wolff explained. “Given our talented lineup, we’re hopeful that the unique demands of the sprint format may open up some opportunities.”
However, as Mercedes grapples with an outdated development path, Wolff’s pragmatic approach signals that fans may not see a silver resurgence until next season. For now, Mercedes fans can expect a team that’s fighting to bridge the gaps, learn from its mistakes, and set a foundation for a powerful return in 2025.
