Currently, with three races remaining, Mercedes holds second place with a 32-point lead over Red Bull. Ferrari, following the disaster in Brazil, is in fourth place, just a few points behind.
Why Mercedes is not upgrading the W16: 2026 takes priority
Like many other teams, Mercedes has started to redirect the majority of its resources, staff, and time toward the 2026 project. The new generation of cars will require innovative aerodynamic solutions and a technical direction completely different from that adopted in 2022.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes technical director, highlighted the importance of starting the 2026 season well. “At the track, we are fully focused on the fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Throughout this period, we’ve been very disciplined as a team in saying that we cannot invest resources this season to bring upgrades at this stage of the championship.”
He added, “Ultimately, when starting with a new set of regulations, getting off on the right foot is absolutely crucial. When we have won championships in the past, that is exactly what we did.” – he pointed out.
Andrew Shovlin also reflected on Mercedes’ struggles in 2022. “If you look at the last regulations in 2022, we started off on the wrong foot and everything from there was difficult. We would never have given in to the temptation to restart development on the current car.”
Mercedes, Russell, and the 2025 goal: finishing as second force
Thanks to George Russell’s two victories this season, Mercedes believes it can consolidate its role as the championship’s second force, without compromising a crucial element: entering 2026 in a strong position and avoiding the mistakes made in 2022.
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