© Sulay Kelly for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says the W15 is not more ‘difficult’ than its predecessors, and explains why the deficit to rivals has increased.
Mercedes finished the 2023 season in P2, behind the all-conquering Red Bull. However, in 2024, the team appears to be slower than Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren.
Team boss Toto Wolff explains it’s not that the current car is slower or more difficult, it’s just that their rivals have improved more than they have.
“I think the cars were difficult all along these last two years,” the Austrian said.
“The advantage that we had is that McLaren was not racing us, let’s say, the first half of the season so they weren’t that competitive.
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“The Ferrari wasn’t as quick and dropped the ball on several occasions. And that’s why we were regular podium contender, and closest to Red Bull.
“Now that these teams picked up the performance levels, this is a relative game. And suddenly what was good enough for third last year is just good enough for sixth.
“And that’s why it’s tough. The car is as difficult as it has been in the past, tricky for the drivers. George yesterday when we discussed it said it was the most tricky qualifying car that he’s had so far.
“So overall, in a way, same symptoms, same-same,” Wolff concluded.
