Mercedes has faced a challenging period over the last two and a half years, with faulty upgrades becoming a recurring issue. Each time the technical team introduces a bold update, whether focused on balance, oversteer, or aerodynamics, it seems to bring new complications without delivering lasting solutions. Earlier in the season, a new floor concept introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix had to be shelved due to unforeseen handling issues. Despite testing various configurations, the Brackley-based team has yet to find a fix that meets expectations, prompting them to pivot focus toward the 2025 season.
Adding to these struggles, a recent incident involving George Russell during FP2 in Mexico raised budgetary concerns for team principal Toto Wolff. Russell’s crash in Austin, following Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Monza accident, risked pushing Mercedes closer to the $135 million cost cap limit. This setback left Russell without the team’s revised floor setup at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, although Mercedes is preparing to reinstate the upgrade in Brazil this weekend.
Toto Wolff Suggests A Creative Solution For “Tricky Cost Cap” Concern
Toto Wolff acknowledged the far-reaching impact of recent incidents on Mercedes’ approach to upgrades, emphasizing that the team now needs creative solutions with the W15. While Wolff expressed his appreciation for drivers who push their limits—preferring the occasional risk of a crash over a more conservative approach—he admitted that the recent crashes have put a strain on their budget under F1’s cost cap regulations. He explained that these costly incidents, especially the major one just before the Mexican GP, have forced Mercedes to reconsider its spending.
The financial strain was significant enough that Mercedes had to develop a new chassis, a shift that heavily affected the cost cap allocation. Consequently, the team now plans to limit the number of new parts introduced for the rest of the season. In Brazil, Mercedes will bring only two upgrade packages, including new floors, without additional developments. This limited approach has prompted Mercedes to become more inventive with available resources, particularly as they reach a near-zero threshold for adding any new development parts to the W15 in the coming races.
Mercedes To Promote Battle Despite Budget Concern
Toto Wolff openly addressed the challenges Mercedes faces due to recent crashes, explaining how these incidents have significantly impacted the team’s upgrade strategy for the W15. Wolff noted that, while he values drivers who are willing to push the limits—sometimes resulting in crashes—this approach has had financial repercussions under F1’s cost cap regulations. Specifically, Wolff pointed out that a major crash just before the Mexican GP forced Mercedes to reassess its spending and limit new parts for the remainder of the season.
To manage these restrictions, Mercedes plans to introduce only two upgrade packages, primarily focusing on new floors for the upcoming race in Brazil. This shift in strategy requires the team to be innovative, maximizing the potential of available resources while refraining from further developments for the W15.