Mercedes taking risk with 2024 car that 'could go wrong'

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed his squad is completely changing its car concept for next year's Formula 1 season.

The Brackley-based squad has been on the back foot competitively ever since new technical regulations were introduced last year.

It has secured just a single race victory in the previous two F1 seasons after a highly success period from 2014 to 2021, winning titles each year.

Earlier this season it stepped away from the 'zero sidepod' concept that turned heads when it was unveiled ahead of the 2022 campaign.

However, it has been unable to catch up to leaders Red Bull and this year endured its first winless season since 2013.

As it attempts to close the gap to the front of the field, Wolff confirmed that more major changes are in store for the W15, Mercedes' challenger for next year.

“We are changing the concept,” he told media including RacingNews365.com.

“We're completely moving away from how we lay out the chassis, the weight distribution, the airflow.

“Almost every component is being changed because only by doing that, I think we have a chance. We could get it wrong also.”

Wolff has 'never been optimistic'

Mercedes ended the past season second in the Constructors' Championship, fending off Ferrari for the runner-up spot.

As it looks to gains for 2024, Wolff added that he is not feeling optimistic about Mercedes' new car as a method to manage his expectations.

“If you ask me, there's always scepticism but that's the mentality in the team and that pushes us forward to never give up.

“I have never in my life felt optimistic about anything. Which makes it a little bit sound miserable.

“But it's protected me about managing my expectations and just pushing harder. I think it's never good enough.

“That's why I sit here [in Abu Dhabi] with a bittersweet feeling, we won P2 but we lost P1.”