© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says McLaren has “taken some [design] decisions that are very different” to those taken by the works team.
Mercedes has started the 2026 season very strongly, and many observers believe their new engine is the main reason for the team’s perceived advantage over rivals.
This has led to many questioning why Mercedes’ customer teams like McLaren are not doing as good.
After Mercedes topped Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying, team boss Toto Wolff was asked that question.
“Everybody has a different [car] concept,” the Austrian told Sky Sports F1.
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“And with the McLaren, without going into the detail, they have taken some decisions that are very different to ours when it comes to, for example, gear ratios.
“That could have been good or could have been bad. But it’s a brand-new car. It is the works teams that have their nose ahead but it’s just a matter of time.
“You see what the others are doing, you have the exact same hardware, you have the exact same software, but in that case how do you simulate it best?
“I have no doubt that McLaren are a formidable structure [and] that it’s not long before they are going to be part of the fight at the front,” Wolff concluded.
