Strong start provided foundation for Mercedes' title win, says Wolff

Mercedes’ constructors’ championship success was built on the foundations of the strong start the team made to 2026, according to team principal Toto Wolff.

New regulations provided Mercedes with a chance to return to title contention after struggling during the ground effect era, and it duly took advantage of the combination of new power units and aerodynamics to dominate early on. Consecutive one-two finishes kicked off a run of six straight victories to start the season, and Wolff says that was crucial before the field became more competitive.

“We will enjoy this achievement because everyone has earned that right,” Wolff said after the title was wrapped up with fourth and fifth place finishes in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Then, very quickly, our focus will turn to the next challenge. That is the mentality that has shaped this team and will continue to drive us forward.

“That is more important than ever, as today wasn't an easy afternoon for us. We had the pace to win today but suffered during both transition points. We would obviously have liked to finish the job in a more convincing way, but ultimately, we scored the points we needed.

“These last few races have been challenging at times and today was another difficult one, so there is plenty for us to understand and improve.

“That doesn't take anything away from what this team has achieved across the season though. We started the year incredibly strongly, and that gave us the foundation that ultimately got us over the line today.

“I'm incredibly proud of everyone in this organization. It has taken us several years to get back to the top, and that has required an enormous amount of determination and hard work from everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. Not many teams have been able to come back from a period like that and win again. This championship belongs to every single person in this team.”

Wolff was able to stand on the podium alongside his two drivers and the majority of the Mercedes trackside team on Sunday night, but says that image should not overshadow the amount of work that has taken place behind the scenes.

“Winning the world championship is a proud moment for every member of our team," he says. "F1 is a people business. The trophies may be handed over at the track, but success starts in our factories, in our meeting rooms, on the simulator, in the machine shops, and with every individual who contributes to our performance.

“What makes me happiest today is seeing the reward for that effort. The men and women in Brackley and Brixworth have shown once again what can be achieved when talented people work together with humility, determination and a shared purpose. They have fought for every point, every improvement and every opportunity throughout the season.”