Ex-F1 driver deems Toto Wolff-led Mercedes’ ground-effect run as ‘hard to read’

The Brackley-based Mercedes Formula 1 team has not been able to contend for either of the championships since 2021.

Ex-F1 driver deems Toto Wolff-led Mercedes’ ground-effect run as ‘hard to read’

Toto Wolff (via planetf1)

Long gone are the days when the Mercedes Formula 1 team used to annihilate its competition on the track. The turbo-hybrid era belonged to them but in the ongoing ground-effect regulations, they have been nowhere near the top spot.

The Toto Wolff-led Mercedes was last able to compete for the world championship in 2021, since then things have been shockingly very up and down for them. In light of the last three years, Ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok has deemed the Brackley-based team’s run as hard to read.

YouTube video

He recently shed light on it in detail and had the following to add.

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It’s very hard to read their situation because I feel like in the last three years on so many occasions, you hear them say that they have finally understood the issues and could crack it.

Karun Chandhok via Racingnews365

Looking at the reaction of the ex-racer turned pundit, it is quite clear that he is extremely baffled. Since the start of 2022, the Brackley-based team has only been seen fighting for second and third place instead of fighting for the ultimate gold. In 2022 Mercedes finished third in the constructors and in 2023 it managed second. However, this year they have slumped down to fourth.

Mercedes could fully be focusing on 2026 instead of next year

While Chandhok has come up with a fascinating take regarding Mercedes’ ground-effect run, he feels they could be putting the majority of the resources toward 2026. In that year, the sport will step into a new era under new regulations.

Mercedes W15
Mercedes W15 (via IMAGO)

Are they going to go completely back to the drawing board and do a whole new car for 2025 ahead of the new regulations in 2026? I don’t think so. The 2025 car is going to be an evolution of 2024 so maybe their effort is fully focused on 2026 and getting the best car for the new regulations.

Karun Chandhok via the same interview

The W16 will most definitely be the evolution of this year’s car, as mentioned by Chandhok. However, despite this, Mercedes could be in with a title shot next year given how close the competition has gotten in the ongoing 2024 season.

If Mercedes get things right with their 2025 car they might not have to wait for 2026 to come up with a strong title challenge. Next year, quite a few eyes will be glued on the Brackley-based team for varied reasons.