Wolff highlights major F1 threat looming over Mercedes

Toto Wolff has highlighted why Mercedes cannot solely rely on producing a strong power unit when the F1 regulations change next year.

The team principal of the Brackley-based squad was at the helm 11 years ago when F1 last overhauled the engine rules, which resulted in the German marque enjoying near-unrivalled success.

Those changes were the catalyst for a run of seven-consecutive F1 drivers' championships and eight constructors' crowns before the start of the modern-day ground effects era in 2022.

Three years on, the aerodynamic and chassis regulations have been given another comprehensive rewrite for 2026.

However, Wolff has warned things will not be as simple as in 2014 - the last time both power unit and chassis changes were penned.

In the Austrian's view, his team has "nowhere to hide", because the current title holders, McLaren, is also powered by Mercedes.

It supplied power units to the Woking outfit in 2014 as well, but along with Williams and Force India, none of its customers had a chassis that could match Mercedes' works outfit.

This goes some way to dispel the notion that Mercedes' success was built singularly on its power unit. And it is also unlikely to be the case this time around.

When asked how big his stomach ache was ahead of the new F1 era kicking off next year, the 53-year-old waved off the suggestion, but pointed out the significant hurdle for Mercedes to overcome.

"I don't have a stomach ache," Wolff told Auto und Motor Sport. "It's a super interesting challenge.

"You have to do your job as well as possible on all levels. A good engine alone won't get us anywhere.

"McLaren will have that too. Then we have to beat them on the chassis. We have nowhere to hide."