Not performing exceptionally well in 2024 might actually offer "advantages" for a leading Formula 1 team like Mercedes, according to team principal Toto Wolff.
The team based in Brackley has achieved three grand prix victories so far this season but currently sits behind McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari in the constructors' standings.
"There are still seven races to go," Wolff told Osterreich newspaper during an interview.
"We cannot rest on our laurels because we also want to set the direction for the development of the new car, because our performance next year will depend on it."
"It's not like we're shouting 'Hurrah!' We are only fourth with little hope of third place," the Austrian continued. "But that can also bring advantages."
When the interviewer appeared puzzled by the notion that finishing outside the top three could be beneficial, Wolff explained: "As fourth best, we get more wind tunnel time, and that can help us a lot with development next year. Because then we'll be talking about 2026."
The 2026 season will see the introduction of all-new, significantly different regulations, and paddock rumours suggest Mercedes may already be ahead of the game with their upcoming power unit.
Should Mercedes nail their 2026 package from the outset, they could enter a new phase of dominance, similar to their era between 2014 and 2020.
"Exactly. That's the silver lining for us," Wolff remarked.
Mercedes has struggled since the introduction of the current 'ground effect' regulations, which began in 2022, with Red Bull dominating from the start.
When asked about Red Bull's recent performance decline, Wolff commented: "It's unbelievable how things have gone backwards for them."
"But when you lose so many important people, it has to have some effect," he added.
One notable loss for Red Bull is Adrian Newey, who will be joining Aston Martin early next year. "Aston can become a force to be reckoned with from 2026 onwards," Wolff predicted.
"They also have a super manager in Andy Cowell who can make things fly," he added, referring to Mercedes' former engine chief, who was instrumental in the team's reign from 2014 to 2020.
