Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is facing the challenges of the 2024 Formula 1 season with a sense of calm and determination, attributing his composed demeanor to a shift in mindset within the team.

Despite encountering difficulties, particularly evident during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where the W15 struggled in high-speed corners, Wolff remains confident in Mercedes’ ability to overcome these hurdles.

“I’ve changed my mindset,” Wolff stated. “I don’t think that additional pressure on all of us makes it better.”

Wolff emphasized that he has changed his approach, opting for a mindset that avoids additional pressure on the team. Instead, he believes in the team’s collective ability to address and rectify the current shortcomings, even as they face the potential challenge of resolving persistent issues with ground effect cars for a third consecutive year.

“As racers, when we have such [disappointing] results, you’re feeling down, but we’re trying to change that with the right motivation for the week that comes. That’s why we are believing that we can turn this around. We believe that our organisation can dig ourselves out. I’m 100% sure we can,” he affirmed.

Acknowledging the disappointment of recent results, Wolff highlighted the positive atmosphere within Mercedes and the team’s motivation to improve. He expressed certainty in the organization’s capacity to turn things around, emphasizing their belief in themselves and their ability to dig themselves out of difficult situations.

“This team has not been overconfident. We are probably the other way around. We see that glass half empty always. And that attitude stays, but this is also the attitude to fix it,” Wolff remarked

Despite progress in understanding the car concept, the team continues to grapple with unexpected behavior, particularly at high speeds. Wolff noted the team’s critical self-assessment as a driving force behind their efforts to resolve these issues, highlighting their willingness to address challenges head-on.

While Wolff acknowledged that Mercedes may not yet be in a position to challenge Max Verstappen in a Red Bull, he remains optimistic about the team’s future performance. He expressed confidence that their concerted efforts will eventually pay off, allowing them to compete more effectively and achieve podium finishes.

Ultimately, Wolff believes that Mercedes will continue to improve and position themselves as strong contenders in the Formula 1 championship.

“It is a different confidence that I have in the group this time around,” he stated.

“Is this good enough to beat a Max [Verstappen] in a Red Bull? No, it’s not. But at least bringing ourselves into a position of fighting for podiums and being right there, I’m 100% sure we are going to get there.”