F1 News: Toto Wolff Gives Promising Mercedes W15 Update - "Feels Like A Car For First Time In 2 Years"

Toto Wolff gives an update on the W15 performance progress.

In a revealing interview with the Telegraph, Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff discussed the latest updates on the team's 2024 Formula 1 car, the W15. Wolff expressed cautious optimism about the car's performance, emphasising improvements and changes within the team.

Key Takeaways:

• Improved Car Feel: Wolff shared insights from Ant Davidson, simulator driver for Mercedes, who noted that the W15 "feels like a car for the first time in two years." 
• Team Changes and Expectations: Mercedes underwent significant changes last year, with James Allison returning as technical director and adjustments in the strategy team post-James Vowles who moved to Williams to take up the role as team principal. Wolff is confident about these changes, highlighting advancements in areas like wheel-locking mechanisms and axle materials. He hinted at a more aggressive approach to the regulations, saying, "I think it’s going to be very different."
• Driver Line-up Confidence: Wolff expressed his satisfaction with the driver line-up, particularly George Russell. Despite a challenging second season, Wolff affirmed Russell's value to the team, stating, "George is our future... he’s the one I would want to have in a car."

Mercedes' journey in the last few years has been a challenging one, with the team facing various setbacks and struggles. However, the latest updates from Toto Wolff bring a sense of hope and anticipation for the upcoming season. Wolff's comments about the W15's improved feel in the simulator, as relayed by Ant Davidson, suggest potential improvements in the car's performance. He explained:

“He [Ant Davidson] was driving Melbourne [in the sim].

“And he said: ‘The car feels like a car for the first time in two years…’

“Obviously I would love this to correlate to the track but we’ve seen in the last two years that this was not always the case."

The team has also seen significant structural changes. The return of James Allison as technical director is a major move, indicating Mercedes' commitment to regaining its top form. Wolff continued:

“I think the regulations, how they were laid out a few years ago, we interpreted them in a very conservative way.

“And we’ve seen other teams doing it differently. So watch this space. I think it’s going to be very different.”

Wolff also went on to confirm his confidence in the team's driver line-up, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. He added:

“George is our future.

“And you know, when I look at all the young men, of the current Formula One drivers, he’s the one I would want to have in a car.

“There is a reason Lewis is a seven-time world champion, and has broken all the records… his ability is on a different level. If we are able to give him a car that he actually feels, that drives in a way that he can trust, he will be on the level that’s needed to win the championship. 39 is no age.”