Sadly, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff have not seen success in winning a race for more than a year. The Mercedes driver and boss are getting desperate to get back to winning ways. But it is becoming incredibly difficult under the cost cap era. Back in the time, German manufacturers enjoyed hegemony during the turbo-hybrid era. Then they did not have to worry about cost caps or such regulations. But in the new era, no team can spend more than a certain budget limit.
The budget limit till 2025 is $135 million. Hence, the F1 powerhouses – Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari cannot take advantage of their better financial conditions. Moreover, after the British Grand Prix, it is visible that a team like McLaren was able to gain a lot of pace after copying Red Bull’s design. That’s what Lewis Hamilton wants his team to do. He is asking for a change in design, especially the side pods, if it helps the car gain more speed. But Toto Wolff is also considering the option to shift the focus to the next year’s car.
Toto Wolff Points To The Cost Cap As The Main Problem
In a recent interview, Toto Wolff mentioned that the Brackley team would love to help their drivers to win races. But the problem is the financial corridor. Albeit, Mercedes introduced a kind of B-Spec car in Monte Carlo. The Mercedes boss believes that due to the cost cap, it is not easy to bring a B-Spec version in mid-season. But the team did change the concept in mid-season. They initially believed in the zero-side pod concept. But in Monaco, they introduced side pods as well as front and floor suspensions. He says the cost cap has become a real constraint at present. However, there is nothing that the team can do due to a lack of financial corridor.
Hence, it is essential to look up to the 2024’s car concept. Speaking about the F1 great and the late former Mercedes advisor, Niki Lauda, Toto Wolff mentioned, “Niki would tell us to do both. Focusing on the changes to br ing next season as well as keep developing the car in the present season.” Moreover, as the boss asserted, it is not right to waste resources. For instance, if they must bring a different layout of the car next year, the team must use the resources they have. However, Wolff also knows that some of the other teams are already working on the next year’s car.
It Is Not Easy To Change Car Completely In Mid-Season Within A Specific Budget
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also knows what his drivers are asking for to change in the car. Moreover, the W14 car is still not able to achieve the goals of the team. Even after new upgrades to the car since the Monaco Grand Prix, it has been unable to win a race. It is still too far from beating the rival RB19. The drivers have been asking the Brackley team to change the rear end for a long time. But it is easier said than done. According to the Mercedes boss, they can’t change the car completely. They have to gather more data and information and wait for the next year.
