Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has stated that his squad has a “mountain to climb” in order to return to the front of the Formula 1 grid. The Brackley-based squad has endured a difficult duo of seasons since new technical regulations were introduced in 2022. It has won just a single Grand Prix in that time having been a consistent title-winner in the years prior. Mercedes launched the W15 car on Wednesday and will give it its on-track debut through a shakedown at Silverstone. Previewing his team's year ahead, Wolff said: “I am excited that we’re about to go racing again and, of course, curious and excited to see how the car will perform. “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. “We have a mountain to climb to get to the front of the field, but we are focused on doing so.”

'Hopefully a step closer to Red Bull'

Mercedes ended last year second in the Constructors' Championship as it managed to pip Ferrari to the runner-up spot. However, it faced stiff competition from a number of teams during the campaign, including Aston Martin and McLaren. While it hopes to maintain its position over its rivals, Wolff highlighted his desire to close the gap to Red Bull following its dominant campaign last season. “Formula 1 is a constant relative competition against the other teams,” he said. “You can have a great car, but if you're running around in circles alone, you will never know if it’s the best. “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.”

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