Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team has issued a stern warning to the FIA, following frustration over a controversial rule change that has shaken the Formula 1 paddock.

Mercedes, known for their recent dominance in the sport, has voiced strong opposition to the FIA’s latest regulations that could impact their strategy for the upcoming 2026 season, when the sport is set for another significant technical overhaul.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal, expressed concerns about the FIA’s sudden rule changes, warning that such adjustments could harm the team’s competitive edge.

Despite the controversy, Wolff remains resolute in his mission to compete for victories in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

“Mercedes Focused on F1 Title Fight in 2025, Not Abandoning for 2026”

As Formula 1 gears up for another set of regulatory changes in 2026, Wolff confirmed that Mercedes will not sacrifice the 2025 season in order to gain an early advantage for the new rules. Speaking with Autosport, Wolff explained that while the team is transitioning some resources for the new regulations, they are determined to remain competitive in 2025.

“This is the crux of the matter every year. Are you going to compromise one year for the other?” Wolff remarked. “For us, we’re fighting for victories and podiums. Writing off a season isn’t in our DNA.”

Mercedes, having endured an inconsistent 2024 season, had hoped to capitalize on the final year of the current regulations in 2025. However, Wolff admitted the balance between preparing for 2026 and staying competitive in the current regulatory framework is a delicate one.

“Inconsistency in Performance Across Teams”

Mercedes’ struggle for consistency in recent races has raised concerns. Once a dominant force, the team has fluctuated between leading the pack and struggling behind rivals like Ferrari and McLaren. Wolff acknowledged that McLaren has managed to establish a more stable performance baseline, something Mercedes aims to emulate.

“The variance in performance from race to race is difficult to compute,” Wolff explained. “What looks like an unchanged car can go from race-winning to P6, and that’s frustrating.”

“Mercedes’ Future with Young Talent”

As Lewis Hamilton prepares to depart Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, the spotlight is now on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian prodigy set to take Hamilton’s seat. With enormous expectations on his shoulders, Antonelli has been compared to legends like Max Verstappen and Hamilton himself.

Wolff, reflecting on the youngster’s potential, drew parallels to Hamilton’s early career. “Antonelli reminds me of Lewis when he first joined McLaren—young, talented, but with a lot to prove. The pressure will be immense, but we believe he’s ready.”

“Hamilton’s Emotional Farewell to Mercedes”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has not come without emotional moments. The seven-time world champion admitted that it was a “terrifying experience” breaking the news to Wolff over breakfast. Having spent over a decade with Mercedes, Hamilton’s decision to move was influenced by his childhood memories of watching Michael Schumacher dominate with Ferrari.

“It was always a dream to drive for Ferrari,” Hamilton shared. “It’s emotional because I’ve been with Mercedes for so long, but the allure of Ferrari is something I’ve always wondered about.”

“George Russell Highlights Key Mercedes Figure”

Meanwhile, George Russell has credited James Allison’s return as Mercedes’ technical director as a crucial factor behind the team’s performance improvements in 2024. Allison, known for his role in Mercedes’ previous championship-winning seasons, has been instrumental in guiding the team’s technical revival.

“Allison’s experience has been invaluable,” Russell noted. “His leadership has brought clarity, which has helped us maximize the talent within our team.”

With a challenging 2024 season behind them, Mercedes faces an uncertain future as they prepare for the dual battle of 2025 and the major regulatory changes in 2026. However, with talented drivers and technical expertise on their side, the team remains confident in their ability to return to the top of the podium.