Wolff highlights Mercedes 'energy' ahead of post-Hamilton era

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted the Silver Arrows has a "lot of energy" despite Lewis Hamilton's pending exit from the F1 team.

It was announced during the Italian Grand Prix that Hamilton's replacement at the team will be teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The Brackley-based team is embarking on a new era, with Hamilton playing a major role with the German manufacturer since 2013. 

With minimal developments also expected from this season into next year, many expect Mercedes to compete for the championship in 2025. 

There is a lot for Mercedes to be excited about given how difficult it has been for them since the current regulations were introduced; however, Wolff has insisted he never lacked energy.

"Do you feel that we lack the energy?" Wolff asked media including RacingNews365. "No, I'm always energised by what we do. 

"We are so lucky to work in this environment, in this sport, to have the honesty of the stopwatch, and at the same time being at the crossroad between the sport and business, part of a global sport, if not the biggest sport, and growing. 

"So there's a lot of energy. And certainly from the Mercedes team side, we see an era ending with Lewis. It's been the longest driver-team pairing that has existed. And we're embarking on something different and new. 

"And on top of that, the 2026 regulations where it's all going to be reset. So, yeah, exciting times."

Mercedes' 2026 development

As pointed out by Wolff, the new power unit regulations in 2026 will see a complete "reset" to the pecking order. 

Teams are not allowed to develop their cars for the new regulations until January next year, meaning all outfits are starting at the same time. 

Wolff is pleased that this decision was made, as it ensures no outfit has an immediate advantage.

"So the rules permit to develop the 2026 car only from January onwards, which I think is a good thing that we decided back in the day because it's going to be the same starting point for everyone," added Wolff. 

"So I guess that most of the team is going to choose a pretty early point of transitioning most of the resource into the new 2026 car. But we're talking about a couple of months up and down. 

"I think everything is going to fall into place in the first few races and I'm not sure we're going to see lots of upgrades after the summer."