Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff offered a candid assessment of the team’s performance during the recent European triple header, which concluded with a podium-less result at the 2025 F1 Spanish GP. George Russell continued to demonstrate strong qualifying form, with the exception of an electrical issue in Monaco that resulted in a Q2 exit. However, his race results did not mirror this promise, as he collected only 18 points across Imola and Barcelona.
Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, endured a far more difficult stretch. The young Italian suffered from a crash and technical setbacks throughout the triple header. He retired from both Imola and Barcelona, while in Monte Carlo he managed to finish the race three laps down in eighteenth place.
Tyre management takes centre stage
While speaking to print media after the 2025 F1 Spanish GP, Wolff expressed particular concern regarding reliability, especially in light of Antonelli’s retirement in Spain, which may have been caused by an engine failure. Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of tyre performance in both the present and future contexts of Formula 1.
“Yeah, it is 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 is 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.”
The Brackley-based squad continues to focus on deciphering the characteristics of the Pirelli rubber, as they aim to prepare for the arrival of the 2026 regulations, in which tyre management is expected to play a pivotal role.
Antonelli progressing as expected
Turning attention to Antonelli’s development in 2025, Wolff, the Mercedes boss, remained supportive of the 18-year-old rookie, underlining that his current performances align with his team’s expectations. He stressed the importance of patience as the team seeks to allow Antonelli the space needed to grow into his role.
“Yeah, I like the development trajectory. Our expectation is he is exactly doing what we expect from him. And that is good. We just need to give him time.”
Despite the challenging results, Wolff believes Antonelli is on the correct path, and he sees encouraging signs in the Italian’s adaptation to the top level of motorsport.
Flexi-wing clampdown brings no dramatic shift
The much-anticipated technical directive TD018, introduced at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix, aimed to clamp down on flexible front wings by tightening load tests. The directive reduced permitted vertical deflection from 15mm to 10mm under symmetrical load and decreased acceptable front wing flap flexion from 5mm to 3mm.
There had been speculation that teams such as McLaren might suffer performance losses as a result. However, Wolff dismissed the notion that the directive would provoke significant shifts in competitiveness across the grid.
“I mean, maybe sometimes we try to believe that there is a magic bullet in Formula 1 that is going to solve everything, but it is not the case.”
He acknowledged the hope within the paddock that a technical clampdown might act as a leveller. However, he maintained that Formula 1 rarely offers such simple solutions.
No quick fixes in the pursuit of performance
Wolff’s remarks reaffirm a broader truth about the nature of Formula 1 development: improvement comes through sustained effort, rather than sudden breakthroughs. While directives and regulations may alter certain dynamics, they rarely redefine the competitive order overnight.
As the 2025 season progresses, Mercedes must continue to refine both their car and operations if they wish to close the gap to the front-runners. The team’s ability to address reliability issues, enhance tyre understanding, and support young talent like Antonelli could prove crucial in determining their trajectory into the new regulatory era.
