Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Toto Wolff of Mercedes has acknowledged that the 2026 Formula 1 season will not be a dominant “home run” for his team, despite its strong start to the campaign.
Mercedes secured commanding victories in the opening two rounds, establishing itself as the early benchmark under the new technical regulations. However, that momentum was challenged at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where increased pressure from rivals became evident—particularly from Oscar Piastri.
Although Kimi Antonelli ultimately claimed victory, the race highlighted a shifting competitive dynamic. Mercedes appeared less assured when dealing with traffic, a factor compounded by Suzuka’s well-known difficulty for overtaking.
Wolff stressed that early-season dominance should not be interpreted as a long-term trend, especially as teams continue to better understand and optimize performance under the new regulations.
“What looked like a home run in the first two races for us isn’t the case, and we’ve always warned about that,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365.
“The teams have learned, and the drivers are starting to understand how to optimize these systems to their benefit.”
An extended five-week break in the calendar, caused by the cancellation of Middle Eastern rounds, has provided teams with additional time to develop their cars. This unusual pause is expected to influence the competitive order when the season resumes at the Miami Grand Prix.
Wolff described the upcoming race in Florida as a potential reset point, where the effectiveness of upgrades and system optimization across the grid will become clearer.
“For me, Miami is going to be a restart—how the upgrades are working and how teams have optimized everything. It’s going to be exciting,” he explained.
Earlier, Frederic Vasseur of Ferrari had also suggested that the championship could take on a different shape after the break, given the intensity of the ongoing development race.
As the 2026 season progresses, Mercedes faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge amid rapid gains from rival teams. The Miami Grand Prix is set to serve as a critical benchmark in determining whether Mercedes can sustain its early advantage or face a more balanced and contested title fight.
Baca Juga
Jolyon Palmer menilai keluarnya Gianpiero Lambiase memperbesar peluang Max Verstappen meninggalkan Red Bull pada akhir F1 2026.
Toto Wolff menegaskan Mercedes tidak akan dominan penuh di F1 2026 setelah tekanan dari rival meningkat sejak GP Jepang.
Charles Leclerc menyebut Ferrari sebagai keluarga, tetap berkomitmen meski belum membawa gelar sejak bergabung pada Formula 1 musim 2019.
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