Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shared his assessment of the triple header, the progress of Kimi Antonelli, and the flexi-wing clampdown following yet another podium-less finish at the F1 Spanish GP.
George Russell kept up his stellar form in qualifying during the European triple header, barring the electrical issue that led to a Q2 exit in Monaco. However, he was less fortunate on Sundays, scoring a total of 18 points in Imola and Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Antonelli suffered a worse fate, with a crash and technical issues compromising his race weekends. While the young Italian was forced to retire in Imola and Barcelona, he took the chequered flag 3 laps down in eighteenth place in Monte Carlo.
Wolff concerned about engine reliability, emphasises role of tyres in 2026 F1 regulations
Speaking in a print media session after the race, Toto Wolff reflected on their performance and reliability issues during the European triple header. Admitting that there were not many positives to take away, he highlighted the step forward they have taken in terms of tyre management.
Wolff seemed particularly concerned about whether an engine failure had triggered Antonelli’s retirement from the F1 Spanish GP on Sunday. Emphasising how reliability has been one of their biggest strengths as a power unit manufacturer and supplier, he added that the Brackley-based squad is intent on unearthing the root of the problem.
Proclaiming that tyre performance would play a crucial role even when the new power unit regulations come into effect next year, Wolff also commented that Mercedes are making an effort to better understand the Pirelli rubber in the remaining races of the 2025 season.
“Yeah, it’s difficult to see lots of positives, apart from the trajectory, that seemed to be a little bit better in tyre management.
“But we have to look at whether that was an engine failure today. It clearly looks like that at first sight. And that is our strength. So we need to see where that comes from.
“But overall, it’s important to understand our tyres, because that is going to be a factor next year, an important factor next year, beyond all the sporting and technical regulations, engine regulations.”
Antonelli performing as expected
With regard to his opinion on Antonelli’s overall performance during the F1 Spanish GP weekend, Toto Wolff stated that the 18-year-old is meeting the expectations that Mercedes have set and that they have to allow him more time to unlock his full potential.
“Yeah, I like the development trajectory. Our expectation is he’s exactly doing what we expect from him. And that’s good. We just need to give him time.”
No magic bullet in F1
Technical directive TD018, which came into effect last weekend, introduced more rigorous tests for the front wing under load. The permitted vertical deflection has been reduced from 15mm to 10mm when the load is applied symmetrically to both sides of the car. Meanwhile, the acceptable flexion on the front wing flap has been decreased from 5mm to 3mm.
The crackdown came with the anticipation that certain teams like McLaren, which had previously benefitted from the flexible bodywork, would have their advantages diminished.
Asked if the flexi-wing clampdown saga, which had occupied the headlines ahead of the F1 Spanish GP, was only a storm in a teacup, Toto Wolff stated that it’s understandable why many in the paddock were hopeful about a radical solution as they found themselves falling short against the benchmark team.
Nonetheless, the Austrian remarked that there’s no fabled “magic bullet” in F1 that would shake things up throughout the grid and promptly alter the course of a season.
“I mean, maybe sometimes we try to believe that there is a magic bullet in Formula 1 that’s going to solve everything, but it’s not the case.”
