P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Wolff: Mercedes must not "give up" on recovery before F1 2026 rules reset
Mercedes has decided to abandon its current car architecture for the 2024 season and adopt the downwash solution used by other teams in the grid. This puts them behind Red Bull, who have already had two seasons to develop their ground-effects regulations. However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is determined not to give up on their recovery plan and aims to race for championships in the next two years. For 2026, the engines will undergo major changes, including getting rid of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat and increasing the power output of the hybrid powertrain. The chassis will also undergo an overhaul, with active front and rear wings, smaller wheel rims, and lighter cars. Despite these changes, Wolff acknowledges that the odds of Mercedes regaining the top spot before the rule changes are slim. Nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton is hopeful that the team’s understanding of the car and their development tools will improve their chances in the 2024 season.
