Wolff claims Newey would struggle to fix Mercedes car issues

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated even Adrian Newey would be unable to solve his squad's issues with its car.

The Brackley-based team has been unable to challenge at the front of the Formula 1 field ever since fresh technical regulations were introduced in 2022.

Red Bull, meanwhile, has dominated at the front of the field with Newey-built cars.

The reigning world champions are enjoying one of the most dominant stretches in F1 history, with last year's RB19 winning all but one grand prix during the season.

However, Red Bull will soon be without the services of Newey who will exit the squad in early 2025.

Wolff was asked about Mercedes' potential interest in Newey - however the Austrian has suggested that even the renowned car designer would struggle to overturn its woes.

“He is an incredible engineer," Wolff said to Sky Germany.

"But at the moment, even the greatest magician would probably have a hard time solving our problems."

Mercedes struggles 'hair-tearing'

Mercedes has continued to slump in the F1 pecking order despite making a radical concept change to its car last year.

In the 49 races since the return of the ground effect cars in 2022, Mercedes has won just a single grand prix.

“We changed the car but the performance is still not good enough,” Wolff added.

“The others always take these steps forward and for us, it’s incredibly slow and unsatisfactory.

“It’s hair-tearing. You just have to admit [it] and it’s annoying that we keep falling back into situations where the same problem keeps occurring, and that is that we overheat the rear tyres.

“No explanations, no excuses. It’s just not good enough. Just keep arguing, keep developing and hopefully get on the right track like McLaren did last year.”