Toto Wolff faced the Bahrain test with a mixture of pragmatism and awkwardness as Red Bull demonstrated the efficacy of a car concept Mercedes has only just scrapped. Wolff, candid in his reflection, shared with Sky Italia, “We did (it) too, but unfortunately it didn’t work. But I think the most important thing for them performance-wise is the floor, not what you see above it.”
As Mercedes began to test its 2023 Red Bull-style car, Wolff remains optimistic about the team’s dynamics and the potential of their new direction. He emphasized the collective spirit within Mercedes, stating, “The fact is that the mood within the team is good.” Wolff elaborated on the pivot away from their earlier concept, explaining, “We have a new car in which we have followed our own idea, and if we abandoned the other concept then it’s because we understood that it was not ideal. We have opted for a more conventional platform, which will be very developable during the season.”
Addressing speculation around Mercedes’ front wing, seen as a potential regulatory grey area, Wolff clarified the team’s proactive engagement with the FIA, “Obviously it’s not something we’ve just put on the car. It’s something we have been working with the FIA on for months and it has passed all the controls.”
The unexpected news of Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari in 2025 adds a layer of complexity to Wolff’s leadership, revealing a surprising shift in team dynamics. Wolff shared his initial reaction, “It surprised me a lot. We went on holiday thinking he would stay, even if the 1-plus-1 contract allowed him to free himself. I was surprised, but that’s how it went.”
Looking ahead, Wolff discussed the potential to nurture emerging talent, specifically mentioning 17-year-old Formula 2 rookie Kimi Antonelli as a figure of interest but cautioned against premature expectations, “Let’s see. I like the boy and I like his family but let’s not put extra pressure on him because he’s only 17. There are many excellent drivers who are already on the grid and available so it won’t be something we decide soon. It will be around May, after the first races.”
