Wolff issues bold warning to McLaren: 'We're not a deer in headlights'

18:57, 06 May

byNorberto Mujica

In 2025 Mercedes are undoubtedly stronger than ever under the current ground effect regulations, and whilst team principal Toto Wolff recognises McLaren's performance, he tips Mercedes to eventually be able challenge the papaya team on track.

Mercedes not far off McLaren on pure pace

Mercedes is not far off from McLaren, sees Wolff, at least on pure pace. "You can see when it's about pure pace, that's qualifying, you put everything down there, what is the car capable of generating in terms of downforce, and we are right in the ball game," said the Austrian to media like GPblog after the race in Miami.

Nevertheless, it's not the qualifying sessions that define the championships in F1,as Wolff is very much aware of. "But the end the points are being given for a race and a race means also being able to maintain that pace over a long time, over many laps and we are not capable of doing that."

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George Russell driving the W16 in the Miami Grand Prix

'McLaren's tyre advantage was built since Austria 2023 upgrade'

With regards to McLaren carrying over their advantage into next year, Mercedes' team principal believes that it is not an unattainable performance and sees a way into replicating what McLaren have been doing since the 2023 Austrian GP.

"I think if you put all lot of emphasis on how you develop your car mechanically, then you will have an advantage. It started two years ago in Austria. They brought an update that was much better than they expected. Part of the development since then was also nurturing the tyres in the right way."

George Russell placed P3 at the Miami Grand Prix

Mercedes 'not a deer in headlights' in fight with McLaren

As one of the most powerful OEM's in the racing business, Wolff sees the power and potential in Mercedes to reply to McLaren's efforts, and states the team is 'completely on it' and makes a bold claim for the future.

"We just need to be better, we just need to understand, we need to find out where we need to focus our attention in terms of development, what are the main performance contributors, and we are completely on it."

"So it's not like we are looking at it like a like a bambi in front of the headlights. We are on it, we are in there, we are trying to find out, we are experimenting and we are going to definitely be able to challenge."