Wolff already disregards Red Bull: "Hopefully a step closer"

Mercedes hope to move a step closer to Red Bull

After building on the concept of the problematic 2022 W13 car, Mercedes have taken a different path with the development of the W15. "I think we will get an early indication of whether we have solved some of the inherent problems that we had on the chassis side last year," said Wolff.

The 52-year-old Austrian realises all too well that Max Verstappen's Red Bull Racing is still very far away. "We were in a tough fight last season with Ferrari and McLaren, at times Aston Martin, with a big gap between Red Bull and the rest. I would hope we are in the chasing pack at the beginning of the season and hopefully a step closer to Red Bull."

Still, the ultimate goal remains to beat the Austrian racing team, although Wolff admits that is probably a long-term vision. "On one hand, you need to be realistic about the odds of beating a team that is a fair chunk ahead under these regulations and who got things right over the last two seasons whilst we have not," the team boss continued.

"There are no miracles in the sport. On the other hand, our ambition is strong. It is Red Bull and a very successful car that are the benchmark we are aiming to beat. I do not know when that will happen, we do not have any crystal ball. But we will know soon enough how far ahead they are and the task in front of us," Wolff said.