With a revision of the regulations that is in progress, Formula 1 is attracting more and more manufacturers who want to get into the sport. Volkswagen is the youngest, likely to get into the sport after the engine shutdown ends in 2026. But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has warned the new investors that success in this sport will not start immediately.
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Many previous manufacturers who got into the sport rarely had any success in their first year. Honda now tastes successful after its seventh season in the sport; Mercedes also did not have a championship car until the 2014 season.
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Mercedes team boss praises the team for its resistance in sport
It is a valid point that the Austrian made. Since most manufacturers get into the sport, they expect immediate and initial success. But it rarely happens. Honda says goodbye to the sport when they have what is arguably the best engine.
Mercedes engines and cars failed until 2013 when they started battling for victories. Toto also set the example of the German team and praised their resistance in sport. The Austrian also took on the struggles his rival engine makers Honda faced when they got back into the sport.
Formula 1 F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, USA – October 22, 2021, Mercedes Valtteri Bottas in the pit lane during practice REUTERS / Mike Blake
“Look at the history of Mercedes in the first three years as a works team. Look at the terrible Honda years they faced or the Renault days. We all had to fight our way up to eventually win races and championships.
So it’s a fine balance that we have to strike in order to win newcomers as manufacturers of power units, ”said the Austrian.
Honda had to endure some very tough years in the sport before he could now taste the success.
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We have been around for a long time: Toto Wolff
As reported by Autosport, the Austrian stated that the team invested a lot of blood, sweat and money to be successful in the sport. He advises the new manufacturers not to expect any titles in the early years.
“I think it’s great that we have strong OEMs who are interested in getting into sport. Obviously, none of these big automakers want to get into a situation where they are very uncompetitive and so we need to have systems that mitigate these very big risks, ”said Toto.
Formula 1 F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 5, 2021, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff arrives at the REUTERS / Benoit Tessier race track
“But on the other hand, F1 is the Champions League, and nobody can expect to enter the Champions League for the first time and go straight to the final and go home with the big trophy.
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“We’ve been there a long time, investing a lot of money, sweat and blood and terrible results to get us to where we are.” said the Mercedes team boss.
The big companies planning to get into the sport have to manage their expectations and look for initial and small profits. They should build on their progress, which will inevitably lead them to battle for the title.
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Do you agree with Toto Wolff? Let us know.
The post “Look at the history of Mercedes, terrible Honda” – Toto Wolff discreetly warns Audi-Porsche first appeared on monter-une-startup.
