Steiner: Mercedes F1 Shouldn’t Celebrate McLaren’s Success

Gunther Steiner criticizes Mercedes for underperformance, claiming McLaren’s success with their engine highlights the Silver Arrows’ shortcomings.

Mercedes F1 “underperformed” in 2024 and “should not be proud” to see McLaren F1 winning with their engine this season, according to former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner.

A jab at Toto Wolff, who celebrated in Abu Dhabi as McLaren F1 clinched the Constructors’ Championship with a customer engine.

The Silver Arrows endured another disappointing campaign, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both struggling to tame the unpredictable and inconsistent W15, much like its predecessors.

Mercedes did, however, enjoy a few high points, securing four race victories in total, but spent much of the year as the fourth-fastest team and ultimately finished a distant fourth in the Constructors’ Championship behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

“I think Mercedes underperformed,” said Steiner, who remains a paddock consultant for various television networks.

“Obviously, because McLaren, with the same engine, did better. And I think Mercedes would admit that.”

“It’s been a long time since someone with a customer engine won the World Championship, but they just did a good job. And I think the stable regulations helped, as they’ve been consistent for so long, meaning you know your engine package every year, and the frozen engine development helps a lot with the rest of the car’s development.”

“You’re always adapting your car for the following year based on what you already have, and knowing what you have well in advance is an advantage.”

“So, I think a few factors helped them, but it’s still not easy to achieve if you’re not the manufacturer of the power unit.”

“McLaren can be proud of their result, and Mercedes should not be proud of what they’ve done.”