F1 News
Why does Wolff sound miserable? 'Was never optimistic in my life'
From third in the final constructors' rankings in 2022, to second. In a way, Mercedes has made progress in 2023. However, for the German team to end the season without a Grand Prix win means that the overall mood is not positive. Lewis Hamilton said on several occasions that he was happy to say goodbye to the W14, Toto Wolff agreed. But will the W15 really be an improvement?
Of course, Mercedes team members are working very hard on the successor to the not-so-loved W14. A concept change is no secret. But will it all be enough to beat Red Bull Racing - who managed to win 21 out of 22 Grands Prix last season? Is there any optimism at Mercedes?
Wolff protects himself
"I have never in my life felt optimistic about anything, which makes me sound a little bit miserable. But it's protected me about managing my expectations and just pushing harder, because I think it's never good enough. That's why I am today sitting here with a bittersweet feeling."
It may sound strange, but the team boss explains to, GPblog and others: "We're changing the concept. We're completely moving away from how we laid out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow. There's almost every component that's being changed because only by doing that do I think we have a chance. We could get it wrong, so between not gaining what we expect to catch up and making a big step, and competing at the front, everything is possible. If you ask me today, there's always scepticism, but that's the mentality in the team and that you know that pushes us forward to never give up."