Toto Wolff is aware that the technical regulations offer space for midfield teams to make a significant catch-up. That doesn’t have to be visible immediately in the first race; as the season progresses, teams can develop their car in such a way that big leaps are made. As an example, he points to McLaren: only a few years ago, the current world champions had to acknowledge their superiors in the other top teams.
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In the run-up to the new F1 season, Wolff was asked about the possible power balance. For now, the top teams still seem to be in charge, although the Mercedes boss warns that a new regulatory cycle actually offers opportunities to the midfield. “There are many competent teams and many competent people working in the paddock,” he responded to F1.com. “You see how quickly things can turn around.”
McLaren the phoenix
Wolff cited McLaren as an example. The papayas won the last two constructors’ championships and gave Lando Norris his first world title. Only a few years earlier, the British racing team only managed to secure a podium finish sporadically. “McLaren had a very difficult time for a number of years, but within a few races the team rose like a phoenix from the ashes,” said Wolff. “They have now won multiple championships.”
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“So there are always opportunities for everyone,” he emphasized. “A team that is in the midfield today or is not so competitive can look very different in six months’ time.” Of the midfield teams, Williams and Haas looked promising during the recent test weeks. The British racing team was already working on an impressive advance last year: after several years of sporting decline, the team finished a handsome fifth in the standings in 2025.
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