Mercedes F1’s 2024 drop to fourth brings unexpected advantages, with Toto Wolff highlighting strategic benefits despite a challenging season.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 team principal, acknowledged seeing at least one advantage to his team’s drop to fourth place in the 2024 standings.
The Brackley-based team ended the season in its lowest position since 2012, when it ranked fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
This most recent campaign marked Lewis Hamilton’s final stint with Mercedes before his move to Ferrari.
Although Hamilton and Russell each secured two wins, they were consistently outperformed throughout the year by McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
“The first half of the year was simply not good at all,” Wolff admitted, assessing Mercedes F1’s season.
“The second half was better. I suppose it could have been a much closer championship with a better start on our part.”
“I see the advantages of finishing fourth. Ultimately, it’s about winning the Constructors’ Championship.”
“Then, whether it’s 2nd or 3rd doesn’t matter much from a purely sporting perspective—though it obviously makes a difference for our employees. But finishing 4th gives us more aerodynamic time for next year, especially with the new 2026 regulations.”
“We have about 20% more wind tunnel and simulation runs than the champion. So that’s a positive on that side.”
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Wolff Sees Perks in Mercedes F1’s 4th-Place Finish Wolff Sees Perks in Mercedes F1’s 4th-Place Finish
