F1 News: Mercedes CEO Tempers Expectations Ahead Of Red Bull Fight In 2024
Mercedes has officially rolled out the W15, with CEO Toto Wolff setting a realistic tone for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways:
- Mercedes unveils the W15, signalling a departure from the W13 and W14's design to address previous challenges.
- Wolff acknowledges Red Bull's significant lead but aims to close the gap this season.
- Mercedes targets Red Bull in the long term, with Wolff highlighting the importance of realistic expectations.
Mercedes has taken the wraps off their latest contender, the W15, in a bid to turn the tide following a challenging two seasons. Under the leadership of Toto Wolff, the team is cautiously optimistic, aiming to rectify the issues that plagued the W13 and W14 cars. Wolff shared his thoughts on the team's prospects, stating during the launch event:
"I think we will get an early indication of whether we have solved some of the inherent problems that we had on the chassis side last year."
Despite the new developments, Wolff is well aware of the gap that exists between Mercedes and the current frontrunners, Red Bull. He reflected on the previous season's challenges, saying:
"We were in a tough fight last season with Ferrari and McLaren, at times Aston Martin, with a big gap between Red Bull and the rest. I would hope we are in the chasing pack at the beginning of the season and hopefully a step closer to Red Bull."
Mercedes Press Image
Wolff's long-term vision involves not just catching up to, but surpassing Red Bull. However, he remains grounded in the reality of Formula 1's competitive nature.
"On one hand, you need to be realistic about the odds of beating a team that is a fair chunk ahead under these regulations and who got things right over the last two seasons whilst we have not."
Wolff's pragmatic approach does not dampen the team's ambition. He further elaborated:
"There are no miracles in the sport. On the other hand, our ambition is strong. It is Red Bull and a very successful car that are the benchmark we are aiming to beat. I do not know when that will happen, we do not have any crystal ball. But we will know soon enough how far ahead they are and the task in front of us."