A new and improved F1 experience could be coming to our TV sets next year, one where overtaking could be more frequent, but with the new aerodynamic regulations kicking in from 2019, F1’s elite fear that the midfield teams could rise to the challenge.
Wolff believes that teams could use the loopholes in the system to take that giant leap into F1’s elite and dethrone the current incumbents, something that happened with Brawn in 2009.
“I think with the rule changes everything is possible,” Wolff said.
“It is almost like 2009 where Brawn identified the double diffuser. I think there could be teams that have found loopholes, which others didn’t spot, that could make the difference.
“So we are taking everybody serious: whether it is Ferrari finishing second this year or Williams finishing 10th. All of them could come with a car that can outperform us.
“We are respecting all these teams and the effort they put into it and all of them are being seen as competitors.” he added.
Wolff feels that Ferrari could come back stronger next year and that the 2019 season will be tougher than the 2018 one.
But he is up for the challenge like every year and hopes that Mercedes can come out on top like every year.
“The points go back to zero at the start of every single year,” he said.
“The challenge is going to be bigger than it was this year.
“We’re in a good mind, good spirits, that we can achieve it. But I can tell you: Ferrari and Red Bull and all the other guys will be trying everything to stop us.” he added.
Wolff is keen on coming up with higher targets for Mercedes as all teams, especially Ferrari are working towards a much powerful package, and Mercedes cannot underestimate any team.
“We’ve seen throughout the season that all engine manufacturers including us have made big steps,” he said.
“Ferrari have a very strong power unit this year. Honda made big improvements with exceptional performances in the Toro Rosso. Also Renault propelled the Red Bull to be a win candidate at almost every race at the end of the season.
“You can see engine performance is converging. We have been the leader of the pack for many years now and, in order to stay leader of the pack next year again, and return to this position, we need to push very hard and we need to set ambitious targets.
“But as Formula 1 has also become an efficiency formula, it is important you need to have the most powerful engine that actually finishes the race. It’s not only about peak performance, it’s about peak reliability. That balance is very difficult.” he concluded.
