On the 2026 power unit development:
Toto Wolff acknowledged that while certain targets for the 2026 power unit are being met, others still require significant effort to achieve. He highlighted the inherent challenges of such a project and noted the uncertainty in whether expectations were set appropriately, admitting the team isn’t entirely sure where they stand overall.
On expectations for the Las Vegas GP weekend:
Wolff referred to Mercedes’ strong start in Las Vegas, with a one-two finish in FP1, but cautioned against overconfidence. He joked about Mercedes being “dirty track champions,” excelling in the first session before losing ground as track conditions improve. Although the initial gap to competitors in FP1 was significant, he doesn’t expect it to persist. Wolff expressed hope that the team could remain competitive throughout the weekend and avoid the drop-off in performance seen at other races.
On understanding the car’s issues and recent progress:
Wolff acknowledged that the team has long understood the car’s issues, but implementing solutions has been challenging. Updates sometimes led to setbacks, making it difficult to regain lost ground. He pointed out that this isn’t unique to Mercedes, as other teams have faced similar challenges. Wolff emphasized the importance of learning from failures but recognized that the competition is constantly improving, meaning the team cannot simply revert to older upgrades and expect to keep pace.
On Lewis Hamilton’s comments in Brazil and his future:
Regarding Lewis Hamilton’s comments after the Brazilian GP, Wolff attributed them to Hamilton’s emotional response to a particularly difficult weekend. He noted that Hamilton has always been open about his feelings and suggested that his remarks weren’t entirely out of character, even if the situation was especially tough. Wolff praised the professionalism of both Hamilton and the team in maintaining their working relationship through challenging times, despite Hamilton’s announced move to Ferrari earlier in the year.
On the idea of “shelf life” in Formula 1:
Wolff clarified his earlier comments about cognitive sharpness and “shelf life,” which he felt had been misinterpreted. He explained that the intense demands of Formula 1, including a packed race schedule and frequent travel, take a toll on everyone involved. Wolff stood by his belief that it’s important not to let greatness decline into mediocrity, a principle he applies not only to drivers but also to himself and others in the organization. He stressed the need for self-reflection and making decisions that benefit the team as a whole.
