Toto Wolff sounds the alarm: Mercedes “risked everything” despite dominant 2026 starts. Toto Wolff reveals Mercedes faced risks in Australia and China with their new cars.

Mercedes team principal previews Suzuka

Mercedes has achieved a double podium in each of the first two races of the 2026 season. George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli each secured a victory, with just four points separating the two drivers in the championship standings in favor of the Englishman.

However, Toto Wolff knows that behind the scenes things have not been as smooth as they appear. “We started the season positively, but we shouldn’t get carried away with enthusiasm. Both in Australia and in China, we often risked compromising the weekend with these new and delicate cars. We were fortunate that none of the problems we faced seriously affected our results, but we need to work to ensure this continues,” Toto Wolff said.

Supporting Antonelli’s transition to a top F1 driver

With Andrea Kimi Antonelli now having broken through, Mercedes must carefully manage the Italian’s transition from a highly talented rookie to a consistent front-runner on the grid. “His victory in China was a major milestone and a moment to be proud of. However, both his focus and ours are on the future. His first win is just a first step, and what matters is how he will build on it. We will support him in managing the expectations that come with consistently reaching the top positions,” Wolff added.

Hopes for more overtakes under 2026 regulations

Toto Wolff also expressed his hope that the 2026 regulations will allow for more overtaking on a circuit traditionally difficult for passing, such as Suzuka. “Suzuka is one of the most prestigious tracks in the world, but in recent years it has become a challenging venue for overtaking. We hope that with these new regulations, we can deliver an exciting show for the fans,” he said.

While Mercedes sits comfortably at the top of the championship, the mood within the team remains one of cautious vigilance. The high-speed technical demands of Suzuka will provide the ultimate stress test for the W17’s “delicate” systems. Based on the content of Wolff’s latest briefing, the team is prioritizing bulletproof reliability as they look to extend their winning streak in the Land of the Rising Sun.